The Cascades Female Factory is Australia’s most significant site associated with female convicts.
Located in the shadow of Mount Wellington, and only a short distance from the Hobart city.
The Cascades Female Factory was a self-contained, purpose-built institution intended to reform female convicts, where the inmates did laundry and needlework services, offsetting some of the Colony's penal costs. It is perhaps best known as the setting for Bryce Courtenay’s novel The Potato Factory.
The Cascade Female Factory is now on the World Heritage list as one of 11 historic places that form The Australian Convict Sites World Heritage property. Thousands of women and children were imprisoned here, and many never left.
Tours and activities
Her Story
Part history lesson, part roaming theatre show, Her Story is a powerful depiction of the harsh life within Yard One of the Cascades Female Factory in 1833. Performed by two actors, one portraying the woman whose story is being told, and the other playing the parts of an overseer and a doctor, Her Story will allow visitors to fully comprehend the significance of the Site and what happened here.
Her Story is performed daily at 11am at the Cascades Female Factory. Duration approximately 45 minutes.
Heritage Tour
A comprehensive guided tour of the Site, available seven days per week. Check wiht the Site for daily times. Duration approximately 45 minutes.
Please contact the Site directly for bookings and more information.
