Port Arthur Historic Site
One of Australia’s most significant heritage places — a World Heritage convict settlement of 1830–1877, with preserved buildings, gardens and a harbour cruise.
Port Arthur Historic Site
The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia’s most significant heritage places — a World Heritage-listed convict penal settlement that operated from 1830 to 1877 on the shores of a quiet harbour. Today its preserved buildings and evocative ruins stand among established gardens: the sandstone Penitentiary, the Separate Prison, the Convict Church and the Memorial Garden. General admission typically includes the grounds and a harbour cruise. It is a moving place, best explored slowly and with respect.
What to See
The Penitentiary
The great sandstone building beside the harbour — the site’s enduring image.
The Separate Prison
Where a system of isolation and silence was used on convicts.
Church & Gardens
The ruined Convict Church, the Commandant’s House and heritage gardens.
Harbour Cruise
A cruise past the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer, usually part of admission.
Visiting Tips
- Allow at least half a day — a full day with the cruise and add-ons
- General admission usually covers the grounds and a harbour cruise — check current details
- Add a landing tour of the Isle of the Dead by boat
- Stay after dark for the ghost tour — consider an overnight
- Explore the convict history and Memorial Garden with respect and dignity
- Prefer guided? See our day tour from Hobart
Want it all arranged? Call 0409 661 342 or enquire online.
Historic Site — FAQ
What is the Port Arthur Historic Site?
It is a World Heritage-listed former convict penal settlement on the Tasman Peninsula, operating from 1830 to 1877. Today it is a museum and heritage precinct of preserved and ruined buildings set in gardens beside the harbour, including a Memorial Garden.
What is included in general admission?
General admission typically includes entry to the grounds and buildings, an introductory guided walk and a harbour cruise past the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer. The Isle of the Dead landing tour and the after-dark ghost tour are usually separate. Check current details.
What are the main buildings to see?
Highlights include the sandstone Penitentiary beside the water, the Separate Prison, the Convict Church, the Commandant’s House and the gardens. Allow time to walk the grounds slowly — there is a great deal to take in.
How much time should you allow?
Give the site at least half a day, and a full day if you add the harbour cruise, the Isle of the Dead landing or the ghost tour. Many visitors combine it with the wider Tasman Peninsula over a day or two.
Is the site treated with sensitivity?
Yes — Port Arthur is a place of profound history and, for many, remembrance. Visitors are asked to explore its convict heritage and Memorial Garden with respect and dignity.
Port Arthur, Planned Around You
The World Heritage convict site, the wild sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, the Three Capes Track and the ghost tour — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry