Australian Convict Sites in Tasmania
Among thousands of penal colonies established across the continent of Australia, Tasmania contains five that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Collectively they commemorate the British practice of deporting its own convicts (and other unwanted citizens) for unpaid labor in building the Commonwealth. Here’s what you need to know about these Australian convict sites in Tasmania.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Once known as the Island of the Dead, this isolated prison used to sequester Australia’s most hardened convicts. Few ever escaped from Port Arthur, which served as a labor camp for both men and boys. Finally closed in 1877, the site is now the most popular tourist attraction in Tasmania.
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
The former disease-ridden Cascades Female Factory in Hobart, used as a workhouse for female convicts from 1828 to 1856, is now open to the public as a museum.
Brickendon Historic Farm and Convict Village
The adjacent Brickendon and Woolmers Estates were farmed by convicts in exchange for food, shelter, and clothing, representing a prevalent 19th-century system of consigned labor. Both sites are now historical attractions.
Coal Mines Historic Site
A forced coal-mining labor camp for male convicts from 1833 to 1848, Coal Mines Historic Site now lies in ruins near Port Arthur.
Darlington Probation Station
The most intact of Tasmania’s 78 former probation stations, Darlington Probation Station on Maria Island was built by and provided shelter for convicts from 1825 to 1850.
10 Tours and Activities | All Tasmania Tours
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Day Trip to Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur Historic Site from Hobart
169
Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the World Heritage–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former convict colony. Lunch is included.
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$211.24
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$211.24
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Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Port Arthur Tour from Hobart
265
Visit Port Arthur Historic Site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites, on this day trip from Hobart. If you’re a history buff, this is the tour for you, as it’s been designed to provide as much time as possible to explore Port Arthur in one day. On a guided walking tour of the grounds, learn about the site’s history as a convict colony, visit ruins and restored buildings, and admire the coastal scenery that highlights the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula. A harbor cruise is included.
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$107.18
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$107.18
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Historic Port Arthur Day Trip from Hobart Including Cliff-Top Walk to Waterfall Bay
61
See the top attractions of the Tasman Peninsula on a full-day tour from Hobart. Take in towering sea cliffs, rock formations including Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, and more as you explore the natural wonders along the coast. Next, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, an infamous 19th-century penal colony with a fascinating history. Finally, stroll through the pretty streets of Richmond Village before returning to Hobart.
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$100.93
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$100.93
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Hobart Half-Day Sightseeing Coach Tram Tour
166
See Hobart’s top sights on a city tour by coach tram, a historical Hobart tram that’s been converted into a motorized coach. On either a morning or afternoon tour (select when booking), discover attractions like Sullivan’s Cove, St. David’s Cathedral, the Queens Domain, and Cascade Gardens. Admire the historic homes and pubs of Battery Point, and view Georgian warehouses that have been turned into restaurants and galleries at Salamanca Place.
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$43.03
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$43.03
Small-Group Tour from Hobart: Tasmania Convict Trail and Port Arthur Day Trip
11
Discover Australia’s dark past and learn the truths of its fascinating convict history on this full-day tour to Port Arthur from Hobart. Get a glimpse into 19th-century Tasmania at Port Arthur, with a guided walking tour and a harbor cruise around the UNESCO-listed penal settlement. Next, follow the notorious Tasmania Convict Trail, stopping at historic towns like Doo Town and Richmond, home to Australia’s first convict-built bridge. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people for a personalized experience.
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$160.60
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$160.60
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Small-Group Day Trip from Hobart to Port Arthur
10
Learn about Tasmania's convict history and natural beauty on a full-day tour to the Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also visit the historic village of Richmond, and see landmarks of the Tasman Peninsula such as Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Blowhole. Includes entrance fees, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
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$111.18
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$111.18
Face masks provided for travelers
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Hobart City Sightseeing Tour Including MONA Admission
61
Enhance a Hobart sightseeing tour with included admission to the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), one of the most fascinating—and talked-about—museums in Australia. Start with the city tour to see top Hobart attractions like Cascade Gardens, the old Female Convict Prison, and Rosny Hill Lookout Then arrive at MONA for a look at its varied collection, from Neolithic artifacts to controversial art installations.
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$86.06
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$86.06
Grand Historical Port Arthur Walking Tour from Hobart
40
Explore Port Arthur Historic Site, part of the World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites, on a day trip from Hobart. On a guided walking tour of the grounds, learn about the site’s history as a penal colony, check out ruins and restored buildings, and admire the coastal scenery that highlights the natural beauty of the Tasman Peninsula. Plus, take a cruise to Isle of the Dead for a walking tour of this prison cemetery.
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$121.27
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$121.27
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Port Arthur, Richmond and Tasman Peninsula Day Trip from Hobart
17
Take in the highlights of the Tasman Peninsula on this full-day small-group tour from Hobart, including hotel pick-up. Learn about the island’s convict past with a walking tour and boat cruise around Port Arthur, then admire the colonial architecture of historic Richmond. After spotting natural landmarks like the Devil's Kitchen, Tasman Arch and Waterfall Bay in the Tasman National Park, finish with an indulgent chocolate tasting at the Federation Chocolate Factory.
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$106.03
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$106.03
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Australia Multi-City Attractions Pass
21
The Australia Multi-City Attractions Pass allows you to visit top attractions throughout Australia at a great savings. Choose from five, seven or ten tickets to be loaded onto a smartcard, which you then use for easy entry to the best attractions in Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and destinations throughout Tasmania. You have an entire three months to use your tickets from the date of card activation. Use your tickets all in one city, or spread them over as many cities as you like, and save up to 40% on regular admission prices.
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$155.69
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$155.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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