Port Arthur: Explore Historic Convict Site

Immerse yourself in history at Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict site. Explore over 30 historic buildings and ruins with a 2-day pass, including a self-guided audio experience and complimentary site talks and harbour cruise.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Port Arthur Historic Site - Situated 90 minutes southeast of Hobart, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site vividly showcases Australia’s early convict history.
    Spanning 100 acres, the site features gardens and grounds with over 30 historic buildings and ruins to discover.
    Entry passes are valid for two consecutive days and…
What's Included
  • Tours, as selected in options
  • Self-guided audio experience
  • Map of the site
  • Access to the World Heritage Site, gardens, historic buildings, and ruins for 2 consecutive days
  • 20-minute harbour cruise
  • Talks by expert guides, at iconic buildings, throughout the day
Additional Information

The Port Arthur Historic Site provides an intriguing insight into Australia’s convict history, highlighting the penal settlement, convict labor, and its significant impact on the nation’s growth and colonial life. Designed as a secondary punishment facility, Port Arthur served as a prison for male convicts who re-offended.
Visitors can enhance their…

Location
Port Arthur Historic Site
Tours depart from the foyer at the Port Arthur Historic Site Visitors Centre. The Visitors Centre also offers cafe/bistro, free parking, and visitor information.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(268 Ratings)
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Tania_m
Sep 24, 2025
This is a must do tour.... - This is a must do tour. Everything was well organised, well run guided tours & talks. The yard is immaculate. Totally loved coming back and it won’t be my last tour, I’ll definitely do it again.
Review provided by Viator
Ashley_l
Sep 14, 2025
Port Arthur - Leave plenty of time, do the essentials tour and take in the beautiful environment with the realisation of its past, a real irony really. I suppose for me the tragedy of nearly 30 years ago provided a sombre overlay however the beautiful memorial was so tranquil
Review provided by Viator
Nylegna
Aug 22, 2025
Fascinating experience of life during the convict era - A fascinating UNESCO world heritage listed site. The remains of the penal colony has so much history held within its compound. The architecture was amazing and has withstood the weather conditions of the region. The stories of the people who were sent here are mixture of unfortunate circumstances, tragedy and for a few opportunities to better their position in the world. A beautiful location with a sombre past. Goes to the heart of Australian convict history. The memorial garden at the Broad Arrow cafe is a beautiful tribute to a devastating tragedy. Well worth the drive from Hobart.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_m
Aug 15, 2025
Great day out - A very interesting place. Lots to see and read The harbour cruise was an added bonus The volunteers giving tours at certain buildings were very knowledgeable. We were very lucky to have a glorious sunny day - there is little cover from bad weather. Be sure to wear sensible footwear- some of the steps can be slippery
Review provided by Viator
G637jeisabelleh
Jul 12, 2025
PORT ARTHUR: go with your friends - We went as a school for camp and I thought it was the best experience I had had at Port Arthur we spent the day there and then went back to our accommodation in Hobart.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
666la
Jul 11, 2025
Good to see if you visit hobart - We Went there days ago, actually it is nice to see. A bit far away though from hobart, but we came late anyway, so we didn't have time to see arround much. The cafe was okay and the food was not to bad but still outstanding and but a bit pricey. The ticket a bit expensive. But the ship is a good part to get in and good to know about the history behind. Souvenir shop is good! Is highly recommended!
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B138877
Jul 8, 2025
Great place and history - Wow. So good.The local town is just a few take away shops. Wow so much history. Please come around. The ghost tour was great too. Give it a go.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deb
Jul 27, 2025
Must do location - Great experience. Definitely worth taking the tours or you will miss out on so much information. There is a heap of walking, but well worth it. We spent 2 days plus a night tour. Definitely worth a visit. There is a very nice Cafe in the visitors centre with fires and places to relax (recover).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maggagles
Jun 10, 2025
A nod to history! - Has a good day here at Port Arthur. Admission ticket includes a little boat ride that goes for approx 20 mins. Plenty of parking if you choose to drive. There's am indoor information area to explore prior to going out to the site of Port Arthur. You do have options for a guides tour aswell where a Port Arthur guide talk about specific things. There is a Cafe on side that sells mainly grab and go / conveniently packaged items I also observed a golf cart to offer assistance to guests / visitors that may require some assistance seeing the facility. I really liked that some of the buildings were open and there were articles around that you could read for more information
Review provided by Tripadvisor
406troys
Sep 23, 2025
Port Arthur premium tour - We did the premium tour today. To be fair, I have been to Port Arthur previously and consider myself to be relatively well versed in its history. The hope was that the premium tour would add something to what I already know. Unfortunately, that box wasn't ticked however my wife says she got a lot out of it. The guide was knowledgeable to a point but stumbled when asked something off the script. Not saying don't tale the tour- most would likely find it valuable but I don't think that would be echoed by most of our group
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $34
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).