Journey through history: Tasmania's convict sites from Port Arthur and beyond

Tasmania, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant arts scene, also harbours a captivating history as a penal colony. Between 1804 and 1853, over 70,000 convicts were transported to the island, then known as Van Diemen’s Land, by the British Empire. Today, you can uncover this history through various convict sites, heritage trails, and historical landmarks that tell the stories of these early settlers.

Port Arthur is the most iconic of Tasmania’s convict sites. Established in 1830, this sprawling settlement was designed to house and reform convicts through harsh conditions, punishment, hard labour, and religious reformation. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved ruins and restored buildings, learning about the personal histories of convicts and imagining the harsh realities faced by the inmates. The site also offers guided tours that provide deeper insights into the daily lives of the convicts. Ghost tours are available for those ready to experience the darker side of Port Arthur’s history after sunset.

Tours and Prices: General admission tickets start at $48 for adults, with various tour options available for an additional fee.

For more historical details, visit Port Arthur Historic Site and Discover Tasmania.

Located in South Hobart, the Cascades Female Factory is one of the best-preserved female convict sites in Australia. Established in 1828, it served to house female convicts away from the main settlement. The facility enforced a strict class system, dividing women into first, second, and crime classes, each with specific duties and living conditions. The first class consisted of well-behaved convicts, while the crime class included repeat offenders and those guilty of misconduct. The site now offers immersive tours and exhibitions, bringing stories of its occupants to life.

Tours and Prices: Admission is $35 for adults, with guided tours and performances available at additional costs.

For more historical details, visit Cascades Female Factory History.

Situated on the Tasman Peninsula/Turrakana, the Coal Mines Historic Site offers a glimpse into the gruelling conditions faced by convicts who worked in Tasmania’s first operational coal mine. Established in 1833, this site was created to house the "worst class" of convicts from Port Arthur and to reduce the colony's reliance on costly imported coal from New South Wales.

At its peak, over 500 convicts laboured here, extracting coal that was crucial for the colony. After a series of issues with convicts and inefficient practices, the coal mines were closed in 1848. Visitors can explore the ruins of the mines and convict quarters, learning about the site's role in Tasmania’s penal history through guided tours and panel talks.

Tours and Prices: Entry is free, with self-guided tours available.

For more historical details, visit Coal Mines Historic Site.

The Heritage Highway, also known as the Midland Highway, stretches approximately 176 kilometres between Hobart and Launceston. Established in the early 1800s, the highway's creation was part of broader efforts to develop Tasmania’s infrastructure during the early colonial period. The convicts, who were assigned to various public works projects, played a significant role in shaping the landscape and building the essential infrastructure of the time.

It became Tasmania’s most crucial corridor to move goods and people across the island. Travelling along the Heritage Highway, you’ll pass through historic sandstone towns such as Ross, Richmond, and Campbell Town that echo the hard labour of convicts. Convicts were instrumental in the construction of many of the route's key features, including roads, bridges, and heritage Georgian buildings.

For more historical details, visit Discover Tasmania

The Ross Female Factory is another convict site that tells the history of women imprisoned there between 1832 and 1854 in the Ross township. Initially built to house the convict chain gangs employed on the Ross Bridge, it later became a probation station to house and manage female convicts and their children. It included a chapel, dining rooms, a hospital, a nursery, solitary cells, dormitories, and an outer courtyard. The women were taught how to sew, clean, cook, launder, and care for their children.

The Ross Female Factory is a protected historic site today, managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Tasmanian Wool Centre of Ross. It is the most archaeologically intact female convict site in Australia and runs past the Ross Heritage Trail. Visitors can see the Overseer's Cottage and view displays, including a model of the Female Factory in 1851.

Tours and Prices: Entry is free, with donations welcomed to support ongoing preservation efforts.

For more historical details, visit Discover Tasmania.

Exploring Tasmania’s convict heritage is a journey through the past, where stories of hardship, resilience, and survival come to life. Whether you’re walking through the eerie ruins of Port Arthur, learning about the lives of female convicts at the Cascades Female Factory, or driving the Heritage Highway, Tasmania’s convict history is an integral part of its identity and offers a fascinating perspective on the island’s past.

We would like to acknowledge that these sites are built on unceded Aboriginal land. We pay respect to the Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) Community, their Elders past and present. We also acknowledge their deep connection to land, sea, waterways and skies, and value their endless commitment to caring for their Country, and honouring their Ancestors.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.