Cascades Female Factory: Convict Women's History

Discover the captivating history of the Cascades Female Factory, a World Heritage-listed site in Tasmania. Explore the stories of convict women and the impact of British colonization on the First Nations culture.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Cascades Female Factory Historic Site - The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory tells the story of the dispossession, mistreatment and forced migration of Australian convict women and girls, and their contribution to colonisation throughout the history of colonial Australia to the present day.
What's Included
  • Tours, as selected in options
  • Self-guided audio experience
  • Access to the World Heritage Site and gallery
Additional Information

The Cascades Female Factory is a historic site recognized as a World Heritage location, highlighting the narrative of the displacement, mistreatment, and forced migration of convict women and girls, as well as their significant contributions to Australia’s history from colonization to the present. Interwoven are the stories of the Palawa, the First…

Location
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
16 Degraves St, South Hobart
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(122 Ratings)
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Lesley_d
Mar 8, 2026
Unforgettable - Matthew and Mark are amazing tour guides. Their knowledge is amazing. So many sad stories that must be retold and never forgotten.
Review provided by Viator
Adventure106089
Mar 8, 2026
Absolutely unexpected gem of a visit. There are only a few remnants of buildings but the stories are riveting. - Don’t miss this unique space.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marke20
Mar 2, 2026
Norfolk Island and Tasmania 2026 - My wife’s 5 x Great Grandmother was widowed with 6 children and stole 4 Pewter Tankards from two inns and was convicted of theft and transported to VDL Tasmania for 7 years with 5 of her children. On arrival after 3months at sea, she was marched 6kms from the dock to here where she was assigned to work. Her children being over the age of 3 were taken off her and put in an orphanage until they reached the age of 15. She served 5 years then we believe she married and was released into his custody. We went on a guided tour which was given by George and was very informative. What these woman had to endure is beyond belief and if they survived it was but for their own good luck. Most of the buildings are gone and only the walls remain except for the Matrons Cottage. They have a very comprehensive database of the woman that went through this system and we we able to get a lot of information. Marcelle on the desk was very helpful. Parking on the roadside. Well worth the visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y6146dcjuliej
Mar 1, 2026
Well worth doing! - Mark was SO knowledgeable and interesting. Very sad to know what happened
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa
Feb 25, 2026
Fabulous must do the strumpeters - This tour was very emotional. The way the female convicts were treated was a travesty. We did the historic tour and the additional Strumpeters tour. The strumpeters tour was the highlight. The tour guide Kim was so passionate and gave us some amazing stories on some strong women. Some with good outcomes and some not so good. Well worth the visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debra
Feb 16, 2026
A must do tour whilst in Hobart - We did the Notorious Strumpets and dangerous girls tour. Kim was very passionate and a very talented storyteller. I really felt immersed in the convict lives she took us through. Absolutely devastating but fascinating tour. Could not recommend this more highly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bradley_g
Feb 6, 2026
Brings story of Female Convicts To Life - Amazing tours by passionate guides who make the convict ruins and the female convicts story come to life. Such amazing Australian history.
Review provided by Viator
649brendanf
Jan 25, 2026
Captivating History by Story Telling. Cascade Female Factory - Brilliant restoration of the site. Staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. There is ample staff and generous facilities to ensure a no rush and calm relaxed environment. Guided tour included in entry fee was brilliant, gives a very good overview and sets the scene so well. Kim delivered the stories of 7 Notorious strumpets in a story telling experience that exudes passion, it brings history to life. Mark was extremely knowledgeable and friendly to be providing insight into the site and Hobart’s overall tourism experiences on offer. Do your homework before attending, pre plan tours and time your visiting Hobart to best effect, 4hrs will zip you by if you want take in everything on offer. 1hr can also leave a new and ever lasting impression. Catch the Reddecker HOP ON HOP OFF, you will find this travel option very convenient. (5 min walk between Brewery/Restaurant and the Female Factory)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Boxesandboxes
Jan 27, 2026
Eye opener - Recommended by people we met on a bike tour and we weren’t disappointed. Excellent guiding by Mike , thank you . It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and could upset some folk but it happened and the story is now being told . History was made here and it shows how bad things were for people 200 years ago . Life was tough , poverty was having nothing and stealing to survive a day you could end up being send to the other side of the world from UK to Aus . This is what happened to the women ‘criminals’ who were shipped here - it’s barbaric and inhumane . You need to see it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter
Feb 17, 2026
disappointing - I expected more than a talk,maybe a recreation would be good, expensive but I found all of Tasmania expensive for what you get out of it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $24
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).