The Port Arthur Historic Site, located in the south-east of Tasmania on the Tasman Peninsula, is one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Australia and the world. It offers extraordinary experiences and activities related to our heritage.
Port Arthur was a key part of the colonial system of convict discipline. Remote, harsh, with no chance of escape, this was the perfect destination for hardened, repeat offenders.
But Port Arthur was much more than a prison.
As you walk within the Site, the powerful, personal stories of convicts, soldiers, free settlers and their families will reveal themselves to you. Port Arthur's tale is told in many ways. It will stay with you long after you have departed.
Port Arthur is a place that every Australian, and all international visitors with a wish to understand more of Australia and Australians, should visit.
These pages offer details about what you can see and do when you do make the journey, so that your experience will be memorable, meaningful and enjoyable.
Visitors are encouraged to discover that history and the many stories of the place. They can interact with the Site in a range of ways, through a variety of innovative interpretive techniques, ranging from guided tours, furnished houses, museum displays, a convict study centre, interpretation gallery, as well as our new high-tech audio installation at the Dockyard.
The Port Arthur Historic Site is a wonderful place to explore, with more than thirty historic buildings, ruins and restored gardens are spread about the 40 hectare site, in a parkland setting with avenues of European trees set amid wild and beautiful scenery and native forest.
The Site offers excellent visitor services, including cafes, a gift shop, transport for those with limited mobility, restrooms, museum, interpretation gallery and a visitor information centre. Every visitor receives a 36 page colour guide book (available in English, Chinese, Japanese, French or German).
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