Port Arthur Historic Site Tickets & Self-Guided Tour

Discover the renowned Port Arthur Historic Site, conveniently located just a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart in the Tasman Peninsula. Spread across 40 hectares of landscaped grounds, the site boasts over 30 buildings, ruins, and restored homes.

To make the most of your visit, the ticket includes a harbour cruise, a self-guided audio experience, and informative talks by expert guides.

Begin your journey at the Port Arthur Gallery, where you can get insight into the lives of convicts, soldiers, or free settlers who once resided in this secondary punishment station. Learn about personal histories and explore a fascinating collection of artifacts.

Take a walk through the convict ruins and lush gardens at your leisure. Delve into the thoughtfully curated house museums and enjoy engaging presentations by expert guides throughout the day. The short but captivating harbour cruise provides a glimpse into the past, offering historical commentary while sailing around the Isle of the Dead, Dockyards, and Point Puer—the site of the first Boys Prison in the British Empire.

Port Arthur Historic Site Tickets & Self-Guided Tour

Discover Port Arthur Historic Site on this self-guided tour that includes tickets to 30 historical buildings, ruins, heritage gardens, and restored houses. Explore the site at your own pace with an audio experience in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese. Your visit will last approximately four hours, covering areas like the penitentiary, church, guard tower, and museum. Established in 1830 as a penal colony, Port Arthur is Australia's most well-preserved convict site, offering insights into early Australian history through interactive exhibits and guided audio tours.

Explore Port Arthur Historic Site

Your tour stops at Port Arthur Historic Site where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of Australia’s penal colony. Founded in 1830, this extensive site spans over 40 acres with restored houses, ruins, and heritage gardens that vividly depict life during the convict era. Key features include the penitentiary, built between 1839 and 1842, which is one of the most impressive structures on the site; the church, constructed in 1836 to accommodate 700 people; and the guard tower standing at 50 feet high. Visitors can spend around two hours exploring these areas, learning about the harsh conditions faced by convicts and the significant role Port Arthur played in Australia’s penal history.

Visit Isle of the Dead

At the Isle of the Dead, guests can take a captivating cruise around this eerie site where over 1,600 people are buried. Established as a burial ground for convicts and their families from 1832 to 1947, it is one of the most poignant locations in Port Arthur, offering a somber reflection on the lives lost during penal transportation. The island covers approximately two acres with graves lined along its shoreline. Visitors spend about an hour here, appreciating the historical significance and natural beauty surrounding this sacred place.

Discover Point Puer

Your tour continues to Point Puer, a significant site as the first Boys Prison in the British Empire established in 1834. This area covers around five acres and includes restored buildings such as dormitories and classrooms where young convicts were housed and educated. Visitors can explore these structures for about an hour, learning about the harsh conditions and reformative efforts aimed at rehabilitating juvenile offenders.

Tour Highlights

• Immerse yourself in Australia's early convict history
• Explore 30 historical buildings with audio guides in 10 languages
• Wander through heritage gardens covering over 40 acres of restored land
• Take a cruise around the Isle of the Dead, established in 1832
• Discover Point Puer Boys Prison, first established in 1834
• Enjoy interactive exhibits and guided audio experiences throughout the site
• Gain access to all areas including the penitentiary and church
• Experience freedom to explore at your own pace with ample time

Perfect for history enthusiasts, travelers seeking educational tours, and those interested in Australia's convict era, this self-guided tour provides unparalleled insights into early Australian penal history. The four-hour format allows you to wander through historical buildings, cruise around the Isle of the Dead, and explore Point Puer Boys Prison, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Port Arthur’s significance while enjoying its rich cultural heritage.