Port Arthur

Port Arthur is one of the best-preserved convict sites in Australia, where you can explore multiple prison buildings in their near-original condition. A day spent exploring the site is a humbling experience which reminds one of the terrible conditions the convicts had to endure while imprisoned there. A cruise around the peninsula takes you to Cemetery Island and gives  a beautiful view of Port Arthur from the bay.

A day spent exploring Port Arthur is a humbling experience… and a cruise around the peninsula gives a beautiful view of the site from the bay

Port Arthur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tasmania’s top tourist attraction and was founded in 1830 as a penal settlement for the colonies. From 1833 to 1853 Port Arthur was the prison for some of the hardest convicted British criminals. Despite being designed as a “Model Prison”, Port Arthur was in all reality a brutal place and as harsh as any other penal settlements. The prison closed in 1877.

For the more courageous visitors, a nightly ghost tour is available, featuring an eerie walk around the buildings in near pitch-black darkness, lit up only by traditional lanterns.

TOURS CONDUCTED AT PORT ARTHUR

• Isle of the dead, cemetery tour
• Point Puer boys prison tour
• Ghost Tour
• Audio Tour

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

• The Penitentiary
• The separate prison
• The dock yard
• Isle of the dead
• The paranormal investigation experience
• The Hospital
• The Convict Church
• And many more.

FACILITIES

• BBQs
• Cafe
• Kiosk
• Restaurant
• Shop
• Toilets

Admission fees apply, please see the Port Arthur Website for more details.