Admission
 
Street Address
Postal Address
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur, Tasmania, 7182
Port Arthur Historic Site
Visitor Centre
Port Arthur, Tasmania, 7182
Contacts
 
Phone:
Fax: 03 6251 2311
Toll Free: 1800 659 101
Mobile:
Email Operator
Operator Website
Industry Accreditations and Connections
Payment Methods
The Port Arthur Historic Site is amongst the best-preserved convict settlements in Australia and among the most significant convict era sites in the world. It has become one of the most compelling experiences for visitors to Tasmania through the addition of powerful storytelling and activities that create meaningful and memorable experiences, connecting visitors with Australia’s history and culture.
It has won many awards and was named best heritage tourism experience in Australia in 2008 and 2009 by Gourmet Traveller Magazine.
Spread over 40 hectares, the Site contains more than 30 historic buildings and ruins. Some of the shingle-roofed buildings were substantially destroyed in bushfires in the late nineteenth century; their ruins give the place an appropriately eerie countenance.
Visitors can discover the intriguing convict history and the many stories of the place as they interact with the Site through a variety of interpretive experiences, including guided tours, harbour cruise, audio tour, multimedia presentations, furnished houses, museum displays, a convict study centre, interpretation gallery and innovative, high-tech experiences at the Dockyard and in the Separate Prison. There are also magnificent gardens, parkland and short walking trails through the natural bush that surrounds the Site.
Site entry is valid for two consecutive days and includes an Introductory Guided Walking Tour, Harbour Cruise, access to Museum, Convict Study Centre and Interpretation Gallery and the site of the Dockyard.
For a small additional fee you can also cruise to the Isle of the Dead and join a guided tour of Port Arthur’s island burial ground. An insight into the lives of those who were part of the penal settlement including convicts, soldiers, civilians and their families.
Accolades:
2012 Tasmanian Tourism Award Winner: Major Tourist Attractions
2012 Tasmanian Tourism Award Winner: Heritage and Cultural Tourism
2012 Best New Tourism Development - Port Arthur Paranormal Investigation Experience