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Cascades Female Factory: Convict Women's History
4.5
85 Ratings
Hobart
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.
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.
- 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
- Self-guided audio experience
- Tours as selected in options
- Access to the World Heritage Site and gallery
- Self-guided audio experience
- Tours as selected in options
- 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…
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 Nation’s people, whose culture was profoundly affected by colonization.
Additional tours can be added to your ticket:
The 45-minute Convict Women’s Tour is ideal for first-time visitors, offering an introduction to the site’s history, the women, and the convict system. Learn about the experiences of women transported to Van Diemen’s Land.
The 60-minute Notorious Strumpets storytelling experience explores the lives of seven extraordinary convict women who overcame adversity. Discover their resilience, the societal challenges they encountered, and how some managed to succeed against all odds.
Visit the official website for more options or special events.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(85 Ratings)
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Michaelandanne
May 8, 2025
A Real Slice of History ! - This is surely a must for any one visiting Tassie/Hobart or any history buff. Opposite/across from the Cascade Brewery (almost) and a stop on the HoHo bus route. It is a brutal, sad and sorry story of how many women came to this country. Their treatment - life and death (in many cases). It is hard to believe we treated women, often young females, this way - for perhaps stealing a loaf of bread to avoid starvation.
Our guide was actually the descendant of one of the inhabitants (who was executed) and she was brilliant. Make sure you get your cards and buy the book detailing them and the "Factory". You can do the phone tour but listening to someone actually describe where you are sitting and answer questions, is well worth it.
Good parking outside but the HoHo bus drops you off and picks you up approx 250 metres from the front door. There is also a very nice (gentle) walk back to town should you decide to take it - via the waterway.
Allow maybe 2-3 hours (at least) so maybe a morning visit is good if you are using the HoHo. A great souvenir room and very efficient helpful and kind people behind the counter.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luxesystem
May 7, 2025
Thought provoking history tour - Joined the general tour, which went for approx. 40 minutes. I thought the explanation to be a sobering reminder of how life was exceedingly bleak for impoverished women and young girls. Starvation, slavery, early death and disease, plus high infant mortality. Challenging information for younger children, parents should use discretion. Nice gifts at their shop. A world-classs UNESCO facility - a suggested must see visit near the Hobart Rivulet/Cascade Brewery.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erican676
May 5, 2025
Respectful honouring of women who endured so much - From reviews id seen I honestly didn't expect much so I was absolutely blown away by how incredible this place is! Considering the site was partially demolished, they have done an exceptional job at creating something that showcases what is left while giving as much insight into what conditions were like.
I did the tour with Marcelle which was very informative and interactive. Really gave a fantastic insight into what these women endured for what was mostly petty crime. Most of all, it was actually really interesting. Also did the Notorious Strumpets tour with Hugh which was amazing too. I love that these women's stories have been brought to life and honoured in a way they never have been.
Hearing about the nursery and treatment of women could be a little confronting for some but it is delivered in a respectful way that honours them and what they endured.
Could not recommend enough. An absolute must visit!
-Rajah Descendant
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Eurotraveller0963
Apr 15, 2025
Both stunning and shocking........ - Having visited a number of historical prison sites, including Freemantle Goal and Port Arthur, we thought we understood the history and effect of the transportations. We were simply shocked and amazed by history of the Cascades. The sheer inhumanity of the treatment of the female convicts, their children and the simple uncaring, blind cruelty of the administration. When you visit Hobart, and if you can only do one thing , this is that one thing.
It is said that “the past is a different country” In this case, this part of the past is surely a different planet!
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242rebeccaf
Apr 10, 2025
Well worth a visit - This visit was a highlight in our day. The little known history of female convicts and their lives was beautifully brought to life by our amazing guide Marcelle. Unfortunately, there are not many original buildings that have survived. However, the story telling of the guides brings the site to life. Definitely worth a visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ranabananasydney
Apr 2, 2025
Truly outstanding Notorious Strumpets tour - a must see - I attended the Notorious Strumpets and Dangerous 11:30 am tour led by a really knowledgeable and passionate guide (sorry I forgot his name!). It was a truly outstanding tour which was so empathetically and vividly described. After the talk, I could not walk around Hobart without thinking of the women who lived, and worked in these streets.
There is always so much to learn about history and how it is a continuum of the present.
Definitely, one of my most memorable and affecting experiences in Hobart!
Thank you!
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Cangau
Apr 1, 2025
A must visit - I had visited this site many times when I lived in Hobart - but not for a long time. The new visitor centre I believe was built during the Covid pandemic period and it has made such a difference to the level of information and understanding that is now available about this important site. From the moment of entering the site through the corridor that melds indigenous and European origins into a journey, to the guides who inform through the art of storytelling, the visitor is carried into a world that is unimaginable in our times. This is not only an important part of Australian history but an important part of the history of women in society. A must visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kjn2010
Apr 1, 2025
Hardship - A True Story - This was recommended by my Dad to go and see. On arrival, we were lucky that a guided tour was about to start in 10mins. A nice touch that on arrival you were given a card of one of the thousands of women held at this factory to find. Our tour was with Mel and what an experience.... Mel gave a great overview of the factory and walking away you actually couldn't call it an amazing experience (the tour was) but the hardship and shocking conditions these women endured is so incomprehensible and how some of these womem made it is truly how tough these women were. Highly recommend to go and see, so much history and cross the road from the entrance and look at the stream that provided these women water which was so contamined....
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Maps37549975159
Mar 29, 2025
Must do - Join the tour . The staff are really knowledgeable its well worth the time and entrance fee . Good retail and bathroom facilities
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Paul
Apr 5, 2025
Confronting history - The site itself was mainly demolished. Paradox a privately owned child care centre occupies the area next to block 1 where the nursery where intentional neglect and cruelty created an eerie silence and 70% mortality. Excellent guide Kim who was direct about the ideological fervour accompanying the degradation of prisoners yet found glimmers of light in the resilience of the women processed by the convict system.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
