Port Arthur Historic Site  

Port Arthur is one of Australia's great tourism destinations. Every building, every feature of Port Arthur Historic Site has a story to tell. The Port Arthur Historic Site has over thirty buildings, ruins and restored period-furnished homes set in 40 hectares of landscaped grounds. Port Arthur Historic Site explores the heritage and hard times that occurred in the early days of Port Arthur.

Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities survive today for you to explore. Easily the most imposing ruin on the site, the Penitentiary began its life in 1843 as a flourmill and granary. In 1857 it was converted into a penitentiary capable of housing over 480 convicts in both dormitory-style accommodation and separate apartments.

• Stand as the convicts did in the cubicles of the Chapel or in the total silence and darkness of the punishment cell and imagine their sufferings.

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In the furnished military and civilian homes you can see where the free community whiled away the long, dark evenings. Hear the Parson and the Commandant squabbling over the best way to reform and punish convicts in the Parsonage. Wander through the newly-reconstructed Government Gardens as the free folk of the settlement once did. You can also take a special garden tour. Our strolling players will entertain you with a series of plays on convict themes in January.

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Except in August, the admission price includes a harbour cruise on our new 24 metre catamaran ferry. For a small extra charge you can visit the convict-period cemetery on the tiny Isle of the Dead. By night, if you are brave enough, why don't you visit the ghosts on a lantern-lit tour? Fortify yourself by dining at our award-winning restaurant, Felons, where you can enjoy Tasmania's finest food and wine.

• The Visitor Centre also houses a gift shop, a cafe and an Interpretation Gallery where you can play the Lottery of Life game, armed with your new convict identity.