The Penitentiary

Port Arthur Historic Site is a special place of vivid history, cultural heritage and stories so compelling, you’ll want to hear them again and again. It’s a place of global significance – one of the 11 places that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites. And it’s one of Australia’s favourite tourist destinations. Come and discover the real people and living history of Port Arthur Historic Site.

I never been in a penal colony as historic as Port Arthur. The tourist guide took us in a journey back to 1800 where Governor Arthur decided to make this a prison area for British. You need two days which you paid for to visit all the structures including the ship ride along the bays of dead island but you have to pay extra for the tour. It’s the best place I have been so far on my Tassie journey and will visit again with my family in the near future. Make sure you wear a runner and good clothing depending on the weather as this will surely get you to 20k steps easily. BTW they have a mini cart for people with disability to go around Port Arthur.

It is no exaggeration, I think this is the most worthwhile place in Tasmania.

Part of the Roots of Australian history. A must see

Interesting to see how people guilty of committing minor misdemeanors were made to live in the harsh conditions offered here. A stark contrast to the pay tv, warm beds and prepared meals offered to our most dangerous perpetrators today.

Well preserved and presented this building was part of a small town where the convicts were sent. The less serious grades (1-3) lived in the top floor and the most hardened (6-7) on the ground floor and we all know what flows down hill ! The had a library with 13,000 books, held regular (& compulsory) religious education and taught skills through manual labour that were useful and in demand when the prisoners were eventually released.

A great piece (or remaining pieces) of early European colonial history. I recommend getting here at opening time so to maximize your visit if only for a day. The impact of the place may hold more meaning to those of Port Arthur convict descent (self-included) but a great outdoor lesson on a harsh period of Australian history nonetheless. Bring clothes for all seasons!

The guided tour of the ex penitentiary facility was very well explained.The Guide

Probably the most prominent building in the historic site. We were able to attend a free talk where the guide explained a bit about the history of it.

We were just there for an hour it's a shame we ould have stayed for long but we just had limited time due to our flight schedule. But It was good experience to see these place I jad goosebumps for some reasonBut ot was worth to see and read the history.I would go back there and see every part of it.