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
(262 Ratings)
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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
Ajsipur
May 28, 2025
Breathtaking Coastal Beauty and Rich Serenity! - Visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site was an unforgettable experience. Nestled against a striking coastal backdrop, the site blends natural beauty with profound history in a way that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. The ruins are remarkably well preserved, and walking through them feels like stepping back in time. There’s something powerful about seeing the old stone buildings, the remnants of daily life. The audio guide and guided tours provide excellent insight, helping you understand not just the history of the penal colony, but the human stories behind it. The surrounding landscape—calm waters, lush greenery, and dramatic skies—adds a poignant contrast to the site’s somber past. Port Arthur is not just a place to learn about history; it’s a place to feel it. The combination of heritage, nature, and atmosphere makes this one of the most beautiful and moving places I’ve visited in Australia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest54406814225
May 18, 2025
Premium tour - bloody awesome. - We visited Port Arthur and took premium guided tour with Bryn(?). What a wonderful experience. History with tales or adventure, everything explained and a real insight into the hardships of previous years provided. We had a wonderful time and our only recommendation - allow a full day or more.
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Legendomundo
Apr 27, 2025
Port Arthur Historic site - Great educational experience. Entry includes a 20min tour of bay on a ferry. We only had 2 hrs there which was not long enough. Bit expensive entry. Older kids did not come along (not interested despite our encouragement), wish they did, but we saved $46/person! Free Audio tour available, so take your AirPods. Good history lesson, done in a very interesting way. Congrats to the team that runs and manages the facility.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patrizia_p
Apr 27, 2025
Great experience - Amazing guide Carl that took us through Port Arthur and gave us great insight into life and hardships
Review provided by Viator
Keyoorpatel
Apr 25, 2025
Old historical tour - A powerful and moving experience. Walking through the ruins and learning about the stories of the people who lived here gives you a deep sense of history and emotion. The site is beautifully preserved, and the guided tour adds so much meaning. It’s peaceful yet haunting, and it made me reflect on how far we’ve come. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates history, especially with family—it’s a journey through time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelandanne
Apr 16, 2025
Awesome ! - We spent some time here. A lovely set-up and very friendly staff. Food was quite good - all laid out and easy to choose. Watch for tour groups though - you might get a line up :) Great souvenir shop and toilets. Nice indoor and outdoor sitting area - and easy parking. You do have to pay to get into the "historic" spots.
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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
From $35
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).