Port Arthur Historic Site [official]
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Port Arthur, Australia
- 3 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
With a 2-day pass for Tasmania’s Port Arthur Historic Site, you can explore this former convict colony, located on the Tasman Peninsula and part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites, with the flexibility and time to make the most of your visit. Included are a self-guided audio tour, daily site talks, access to the 30-plus ruins and historical buildings, a cruise on the harbor, and a visitor guide with a map. Follow the Convict Water Supply Trail, learn what life was like as a prisoner, and see where officers lived.
- Port Arthur UNESCO World Heritage site 2-day pass
- Tour one of Australia's best-preserved convict sites
- See more than 30 historic buildings and ruins
- Visit the Museum and Convict Study Centre and Dockyards
What's Included
- Access to the World Heritage Site, gardens, historic buildings, and ruins for 2 consecutive days
- Self-guided audio experience
- 20-minute harbour cruise
- Map of the site
- Talks by expert guides, at iconic buildings, throughout the day
- Tours, as selected in options
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Port Arthur Historic SiteVisitor Centre, Historic Site, Port Arthur TAS 7182, Australia
Tours depart from the foyer at the Port Arthur Historic Site Visitors Centre. The Visitors Centre also offers cafe/bistro, free parking, and visitor information.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
Itinerary
Spread across 100 acres (40 hectares) on the Tasman Peninsula, jutting out from Tasmania’s southeast coast, the Port Arthur Historic Site is home to more than 30 historical structures and ruins that once made up a convict settlement. Your 2-day pass to this now World Heritage–listed site gives you access to explore as much as you want during your time here.
You may visit and participate in the included attractions and activities in whichever order you prefer, but it’s suggested that you begin with the self-guided audio (included) tour to orient yourself with the site and hear about the background of the penal colony and its prisoners. Then catch the MV Marana for a 20-minute harbor cruise, listening to onboard narration as you view the Dockyards, Point Puer Boys Prison, the Isle of the Dead Cemetery and Tasman National Park from the water.
Visit the Dockyards, where prisoners built high-quality ships in the 1830s, and listen to a ‘soundscape’ to hear sounds and voices from the active yard, making you feel like you’ve gone back to the 19th century. Then journey along the Convict Water Supply Trail, learning about the colony’s flour-production operation, and visit the Museum and Convict Study Centre to find out if any of your ancestors are in the prisoner database. In the old Asylum building, learn more details about life as a convict, and then check out the Commandants House and Junior Medical Officers House to see how the other side lived.
You may visit and participate in the included attractions and activities in whichever order you prefer, but it’s suggested that you begin with the self-guided audio (included) tour to orient yourself with the site and hear about the background of the penal colony and its prisoners. Then catch the MV Marana for a 20-minute harbor cruise, listening to onboard narration as you view the Dockyards, Point Puer Boys Prison, the Isle of the Dead Cemetery and Tasman National Park from the water.
Visit the Dockyards, where prisoners built high-quality ships in the 1830s, and listen to a ‘soundscape’ to hear sounds and voices from the active yard, making you feel like you’ve gone back to the 19th century. Then journey along the Convict Water Supply Trail, learning about the colony’s flour-production operation, and visit the Museum and Convict Study Centre to find out if any of your ancestors are in the prisoner database. In the old Asylum building, learn more details about life as a convict, and then check out the Commandants House and Junior Medical Officers House to see how the other side lived.
1
Port Arthur Historic Site
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 500 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 307 reviews
kiwisam50, Apr 2026
Was a great experience..but when you come off a cruise ship you have already paid your entry fee...so with purchasing threw Victor you pay it twicw
Michelle_S, Apr 2026
Port Arthur is a must see if ever you're in Tasmania. So historical with an abundance of information of how life for prisoners and those in charge, lived back then. The grounds of the site is magnificent, with beautiful lawn areas and trees with bumble bees a plenty.
Lindy_S, Mar 2026
We pre-booked the premium experience for 4 people and absolutely loved it. Our guide Rob was fantastic with lots of knowledge. There is lots to see here so have your walking shoes on! Our only negative for the day was on our 20 minute cruise. There were several groups of rather intoxicated and loud people who were so loud we couldn't hear the commentary. They also appeared to stay on the boat for several cruises, not getting off. Which we thought was unfair. But other than that it was a fabulous day.
Xin_L, Mar 2026
The Gordon River Cruise is such a gem in Strahan. We were well fed while cruising along Macqurie Harbour and Gordon River. There were two stops to get out about. It is one of the most memorable parts of our trip to Tassie.
Georgi_S, Mar 2026
I'm really satisfied with this tour, because in about 1:45 hours we were able to visit the most important and learn much from our guide, which was very knowledgable. This was the afternoon we were able to spent at the historic site during our visit to Tasmania and I'm happy that we got it right with the premium tour, which also took us on a boat around the harbor. Greatly recommanded for anyone visiting Port Arthur.
Keith_M, Mar 2026
This is a very well presented historical and educational experience. The memorial to the 1996 shooting tragedy is very moving, sensitive and appropriate.
Miranda_M, Feb 2026
There’s so much to walk around and explore and the preserved history is really interesting. It’s great that you also get free talks about different places included in the ticket, plus a ferry ride to see the islands around Port Arthur
Neale_D, Feb 2026
Great all day experience from Hobart. The reconstruction and ruins are really well maintained as well as the grounds. Guided tours and boat trip are a must to find out more about the history.
Zoe_W, Feb 2026
Wouldn't bother pre purchasing a ticket for Port Arthur as the line was not being serviced when I arrived, and would have been much quicker to just line up in the general ticket line.
Peter_T, Feb 2026
a great day out exploring the ruins and a really good boat cruise . huge grounds to cover. nice restaurant with good food and a good gift shop
Flordeliza_J, Jan 2026
Our tour guide was very informative both on the Port Arthur Site and the Isle of Dead site.
Nice day out for the family.
Kristy_M, Jan 2026
The whole experience was fantastic. The history was interesting but had an eeriness about it. The memorial for the victims of the shooting in 1996 was beautifully thought out and done.
Anjana_D, Dec 2025
Very informative audio book included. We really enjoyed the 20 min cruise included as part of the ticket purchase.
Matt_H, Dec 2025
Absolutely brilliant. So much history. Plan at a minimum for a full 1/2 - 3/4 day and try to include the Isle of the Dead boat cruise. Can even sneak in a cheeky beer on the boat.
JACQUELINe_L, Nov 2025
Learn some history .. very big place for us to explored .many nice view to.take photo .we enjoy the walking .
Cindy_w, Nov 2025
If you are on a cruise ship, do not purchase the tickets as they come with the cruise. The only thing extra was the harbor cruise, which isn't necessary as you have to take a tender from the boat. Now, with that said, the visit to the historic site was interesting.
Julie_M, Oct 2025
Fantastic history, really enjoyed our day. All the stag there were very informative with information. Wear good walking shoes
William_L, Oct 2025
The history the guides all are very informative
And helpful
The ghost tour was also a great experience
Tania_M, Sep 2025
This is a must do tour. Everything was well organised, well run guided tours & talks. The yard is immaculate. Totally loved coming back and it won’t be my last tour, I’ll definitely do it again.
Ashley_L, Sep 2025
Leave plenty of time, do the essentials tour and take in the beautiful environment with the realisation of its past, a real irony really. I suppose for me the tragedy of nearly 30 years ago provided a sombre overlay however the beautiful memorial was so tranquil
Patricia_M, Aug 2025
A very interesting place. Lots to see and read The harbour cruise was an added bonus The volunteers giving tours at certain buildings were very knowledgeable.
We were very lucky to have a glorious sunny day - there is little cover from bad weather. Be sure to wear sensible footwear- some of the steps can be slippery
Patrizia_P, Apr 2025
Amazing guide Carl that took us through Port Arthur and gave us great insight into life and hardships
SuiLing_T, Apr 2025
Fantastic attraction. A lot to see, requires at least half a day. Great audio tour and free in person tours. Highly recommend
Anonymous, Jan 2025
Great insight into our history. Well laid out.
Ghost Tour was pretty terrible, but the site itself was incredible.
hank_u, Jan 2025
Beautiful UNESCO site to visit. Relaxing self directed tour. The ferry ride was pleasant but didn't add much to the experience.
Alistair_G, Aug 2024
A great experience seeing original buildings and ruins, we really enjoyed the boat trip with the recorded history and tour of the natural harbour. Some of the original buildings were really interesting and gave a real insight into life.
Marilyn_B, May 2024
Loved the whole place, sad sad stories from a time long ago. Such a different time and way of life! The grounds were beautiful and we loved all the colours of the leaves
Kurt_P, Apr 2024
…. émotion about thé history of the place …. .nice and proper … friendly staff …. easy to find … but - no cash possible …
christopher_g, Mar 2024
Lovely place to visit. If your interested in strolling around gardens and seeing all.Port Arthur has to offer 2 day pas is great value
Annette_S, Mar 2024
The 20 minute boat trip and the memorial garden. We also enjoyed learning more about Port Arthur from the free talks.
From $38.57
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Special Offer
Port Arthur Historic Site [official]
307
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$38.57
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Port Arthur, Australia
More attractions near Port Arthur, Australia