Port Arthur Historic Site: Convict History & Harbour Cruise
Where Australia's Convict Past Still Stands in Stone
You get two days of access to Port Arthur's 30+ buildings and ruins, a 20-minute harbour cruise to the Isle of the Dead, a self-guided audio experience, and expert talks at key sites throughout the day. Optional guided tours (45 to 90 minutes) dig deeper into convict stories and escape attempts. The two-day pass lets you return without rushing, and the site is wheelchair accessible with facilities for families.
3h–8h
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Port Arthur Historic Site
- Drive 90 minutes from Hobart
- Enter Port Arthur Historic Site
- Explore gardens and historic buildings
- Join harbour cruise
- Use self-guided audio tour
- Attend complimentary site talks
The Experience
The gravel crunches under your feet as you walk past the ruins of the Separate Prison, and you can almost hear the silence that was once enforced there. Port Arthur Historic Site, 90 minutes southeast of Hobart in Tasmania, sits on 100 acres of gardens and grounds scattered with more than 30 historic buildings and ruins: some intact, others reduced to stone foundations and chimneys. This was a place of secondary punishment, designed specifically for convicts who had already re-offended, and the landscape itself tells that story without needing to say much.
Your entry pass works for two consecutive days, which matters because you cannot see everything in one afternoon. The 20-minute harbour cruise is included, and it takes you out to the Isle of the Dead, where over 1,000 convicts, soldiers, and free settlers were buried. You can add a 40-minute guided walk around the cemetery itself, or choose from other optional tours: the 45-minute Essentials Tour if you want the core history without spending hours on your feet, the 90-minute Premium Tour if you want the deeper stories behind the buildings, or the 60-minute Escapes tour if you are drawn to the tales of desperate convicts who tried to get out. The self-guided audio experience comes with your ticket, so you can move at your own pace between the sites, and expert guides give talks throughout the day at the iconic buildings. You just show up when you are near.
The site operates in all weather, and Tasmania's weather can shift fast, so bring a jacket. Wheelchair access is available, and prams work on most paths. If you have young children, the two-day validity means you are not forced to cram it all in one exhausting loop. The grounds are open enough that you can sit and think, or move quickly through if that is your style. Public transport options exist nearby if you do not have a car, though the drive from Hobart is straightforward.
What’s included
Your two-day pass includes entry to the World Heritage Site, access to gardens, historic buildings, and ruins, a 20-minute harbour cruise, a self-guided audio experience with a site map, and complimentary expert talks throughout the day at key buildings. Optional guided tours (45 to 90 minutes) can be added when you book: the Essentials Tour for core history, the Premium Tour for deeper stories, the Isle of the Dead walk for the cemetery, or the Escapes tour for convict escape tales.
Operated by Port Arthur Historic Sites
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to understand Australia's convict history without arranging your own transport from Hobart: the two-day pass and included audio guide mean you set your own pace, and the optional tours let you choose how deep you go into the stories.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
How far is Port Arthur from Hobart?
90 minutes' drive southeast of Hobart.
How many days can I use my entry pass?
Your pass is valid for two consecutive days.
Is the harbour cruise included?
Yes, a 20-minute harbour cruise is included with entry.
What optional tours are available?
The 45-minute Essentials Tour, 90-minute Premium Tour, 40-minute Isle of the Dead walk, and 60-minute Escapes tour can be added to your ticket.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes, wheelchair access is available throughout the site.
Can I bring a pram or stroller?
Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the grounds.
Are there talks or guided experiences included?
Yes, expert guides give complimentary talks at iconic buildings throughout the day, and a self-guided audio experience is included with entry.
Does the site operate in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for Tasmania's changeable climate.
Is public transport available?
Public transportation options are available nearby, though a car makes the 90-minute drive from Hobart easier.
Do children need to be supervised?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.