Port Arthur Historic Site – Site Entry (Optional Tours)

The Port Arthur Historic Site is a must-see for any visitor to Tasmania.

It is located in the south-east of the island state, approximately 96 kilometres or a 90 minute drive from the capital city, Hobart.

For those with limited time, it is possible to see the Site in a day tour from Hobart. Various companies offer coach and cruising tour options (see below). However, to fully experience Port Arthur, the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site and the spectacular scenery and fascinating cultural heritage of the surrounding region, spending a few days in the area is recommended.

Every site entry ticket to Port Arthur Historic Site is valid for two consecutive days allowing you plenty of time explore and enjoy Port Arthur’s many sites, tours and activities including:
-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;
-a self-guided Port Arthur Audio Experience;
-a 20-minute Harbour Cruise (Note: This cruise has a minimum passenger requirement for departure.);
-complimentary site talks at key locations throughout the day;
-access to more than 30 historic buildings, ruins, restored houses, heritage gardens and walking trails.
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).

OPTIONAL TOURS

[Isle of the Dead cemetery tour]
Tour Times: Tours run for approximately 40 minutes with an additional 20 minutes aboard the harbour cruise (total time required is approximately 60 minutes).
The harbour cruise departs for the Isle of the Dead tour from the jetty at 12:20pm; 1:00pm & 3:00pm daily.

The Isle of the Dead holds the stories of many of the people of Port Arthur – in life and death.
Port Arthur’s tiny cemetery island is the final resting place for more than 1000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children, who were buried here between 1833 and 1877. The Isle of the Dead has two separate burial sections – convicts were laid to rest in mostly unmarked graves at the island’s southern end, while the higher northern end was reserved for free and military burials, marked by headstones still standing today. The anonymity of the convicts was somewhat redressed after 1850, when some convict graves were given headstones.
On this tour, you’ll journey to the island aboard the MV Marana, and take a guided walking tour of the island. You’ll hear the personal stories of convicts who were transported here from across the world, the soldiers who gave their lives to guard the prison, the officers, and their families who followed them to the ends of the earth.

Important Information
Tours are limited to 20 people.
This tour is conducted outdoors and there are no services or shelters on the island, so we recommend to be prepared for all weather.
The Isle of the Dead tour includes walkways with relatively steep gradients up to 1:8.  Assistance is recommended for people with a physical limitation that wish to take this tour.  

[Port Arthur Essentials Tour]
Tours typically depart from the Visitor Centre daily at 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 3:45pm.

Port Arthur was a bold experiment and ground-breaking attempt at reform of convicts in the colony.
Join our expert guide as they share the essential history and characters who lived, worked, and served their time here.
The Port Arthur Essentials Tour runs for approximately 45 minutes and is our most accessible tour with only a few hundred metres of walking over reasonably flat even ground.

[Port Arthur Premium Tour]
Tour Times: Tours typically depart from the Visitor Centre daily at 12.00pm and 1.30pm.  Tours run for approximately 90 minutes over a distance of approximately 2 kilometres.

Embark on a captivating journey through history on this 90-minute small group guided walking tour.
As you are escorted through the most significant buildings including the Penitentiary, the Separate Prison, and the Convict Church; our expert guides will share insightful stories of the people who shaped this renowned penal colony.

Tour Information
Tour size is limited to 15 people.
These tours operate in most weather conditions, so please be sure to be prepared for the conditions.
As a walking tour over a distance of 2 kilometres over some inclined terrain, this tour may not be suitable for people with restricted mobility.
Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

[Escape from Port Arthur]
TOUR TIMES: Tours run for approximately one hour return and depart daily from the Visitor Centre at 11:00am & 3:00pm.

Uncover the stories of convicts who dared to escape from Port Arthur. From a convict disguised in kangaroo skins who attempted to get past the guards, to plotting and executing cunning schemes to outsmart the vicious dog line; in the world of convict escapes, seizing an opportunity was key. Would you have attempted to run from the guards, braving the elements with no food, water, or knowledge of the land?  Prepare to uncover the tales of those who dared to defy the odds.
Join us for our 60-minute Escape from Port Arthur tour. You’ll find yourself in the shoes of former convicts weighing up the risks of fleeing vs staying while discovering the extraordinary acts of courage and determination of convicts.

Tour Information
The Escape tour covers a range of steep terrain over 1.5 kilometres and is not suitable for anyone with restricted mobility.  This tour is conducted outdoors, so we recommend you come prepared for all kinds of Tasmanian weather.
Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.