The Port Arthur Historic Site is a World Heritage-listed site located about an hour's drive from Hobart, Tasmania. It is the site of a former penal colony and is an important part of Tasmania's history.
Opening hours
The Port Arthur Historic Site is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Admission
Tickets to the Port Arthur Historic Site can be purchased online or at the visitor center. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the length of your stay. There are also discounts available for students, seniors, and families.
Getting There
There are several options for getting to the Port Arthur Historic Site from Hobart. You can drive, take a tour, or take a bus or ferry from Hobart or other nearby towns.
The Port Arthur Historic Site is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Church of St. David, the Commandant's House, and the Separate Prison. There are also several guided tours available that cover different aspects of the site's history and offer a more in-depth look at the various buildings and exhibits.
The Port Arthur Historic Site has a gift shop, and a café. There are also several picnic areas and walking trails in the surrounding area.
It is a good idea to plan your visit in advance and allow plenty of time to explore the site and learn about its history. Wearing comfortable shoes and clothing is also recommended, as some of the tours involve a lot of walking.
The Port Arthur Historic Site is open to the public daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, except for Christmas Day and Good Friday. The site covers an area of approximately 100 hectares (247 acres). It is a good idea to allow plenty of time to explore the site and learn about its history, as there is a lot to see and do.
The Church of St. David
This Gothic-style church was built in the 1870s and is the only surviving building from the original Port Arthur penal settlement. It is open to the public and is used for concerts and other events.
The Commandant's House
This historic building was the residence of the Commandant of the penal settlement and is now a museum that tells the story of the settlement's history.
The Separate Prison
This prison was used to hold the most recalcitrant and dangerous prisoners and is now a museum that showcases the harsh conditions of life in the penal settlement.
The Convict Village
This area features a number of historic buildings that were used to house convicts, including the hospital, the bakery, and the blacksmith's workshop.
The Port Arthur Penitentiary
This building was used to hold the most serious offenders and is now a museum that tells the story of the penal settlement's history.
The Point Puer Boys' Prison
This building was used to hold young offenders and is now a museum that tells the story of the lives of the young convicts who were imprisoned there.
The Port Arthur Historic Site offers access to more than 30 historic buildings, ruins, restored houses, heritage gardens and walking trails. A range of guided tours that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the site's history and its various attractions are also available. Your site entry ticket gives you two consecutive days to explore and enjoy Port Arthur Historic Site’s many sites, tours and activities.
Walking tours
These tours take visitors on a guided walk around the site, visiting a range of attractions and providing an overview of the history of the penal colony. The tours are available in several languages and cater to different interests and fitness levels.
20-minute Harbour Cruise
These tours take visitors on a cruise around the site, offering views of the historic buildings and the surrounding landscape. The tours provide an overview of the site's history and may include stops at other attractions along the way.
Site Talks
Complimentary site talks at key locations throughout the day.
Port Arthur Gallery
Entry to the Port Arthur Gallery, which includes interactive exhibits and displays that tell the story of the Port Arthur Historic Site and its people.
Self guided audio experience
a self-guided Port Arthur Audio Experience;
Shuttle service
A courtesy shuttle service is available for people with restricted mobility (available between 10:30am and 3:30pm each day, with an extended service offered during summer).
During your visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site, you can enjoy a break at our café located on the upper level of the Visitor Centre. The café offers freshly brewed coffee, sweet treats, cold drinks, beers, wines, and fresh food made using local ingredients. If you're in a hurry, you can grab a pack of sandwiches for a picnic in the garden. Alternatively, you can take a break and order something cooked to order in our kitchens, and relax inside or on our deck with views of the site. The Port Arthur Café is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
