Port Arthur Historic Site [official]
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The Port Arthur Historic Site offers a compelling glimpse into Australia's convict past, focusing on the penal settlement, convict labour, and the profound influence on the nation's development and colonial life. As a place or secondary-punishment, Port Arthur was specifically designed as a prison for re-offending male convicts.
VITAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Additional tours can be selected to be included in your ticket:
The 45 min Essentials Tour is our most accessible guided tour providing the essential history and stories of Port Arthur.
The 90 min Premium Tour delves deeper into the stories behind our iconic buildings and their fascinating past on this small group guided walk.
For the 40 min Isle of the Dead tour, step off the harbour cruise for a guided walking tour around the final resting place for over 1,000 convicts, soldiers, and free settlers.
On the 60 min Escapes tour, hear tales of the desperate convicts,
determined to escape.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Port Arthur Historic Site
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, located 90 minutes’ drive southeast of Hobart, brings Australia’s early convict history to life. The Port Arthur Historic Site covers 100 acres of gardens and grounds, with more than 30 historic buildings and ruins to explore. All entry passes are valid for two consecutive days and include a harbour cruise, a self-guided audio experience and complimentary site talks throughout the day.
What‘s Included
Tours, as selected in options
20-minute harbour cruise
Self-guided audio experience
Map of the site
Access to the World Heritage Site, gardens, historic buildings, and ruins for 2 consecutive days
Talks by expert guides, at iconic buildings, throughout the day
Options
General Admission (morning)
Cruise at 11am: Visit in the morning with a harbour cruise at 11am.
Premium + Escape
Tours 12pm + 3pm, Cruise 2:20: Pair your Premium Tour at 12pm with tales of Escapes at 3pm, and harbour cruise at 2:20pm. See listing for details.
The Essentials (morning)
Tour at 10:30, Cruise at 12:20: Grab the basics with the Port Arthur Essentials Tour at 10:30am, with a harbour cruise at 12:20pm. See listing for details.
Isle of the Dead
Cruise/Tour at 1pm: Your harbour cruise at 1pm will stop at the Isle of the Dead for your tour of the island cemetery. See listing for details.
General Admission (afternoon)
Cruise at 3:40pm: Visit in the afternoon with a harbour cruise at 3:40pm.
The Premium Tour
Tour at 1:30, Cruise at 3:40: Delve deeper with The Port Arthur Premium Tour at 1:30pm, with a harbour cruise at 3:40pm. See listing for details.
Premium + Isle of the Dead
Tour at 12, Cruise/Tour at 3pm: Pair your Premium Tour at 12pm with the Isle of the Dead tour attached to the cruise at 3pm. See listing for details.
The Essentials (afternoon)
Tour at 12:30, Cruise at 2:20: Grab the basics with the Port Arthur Essentials Tour at 12:30pm, with a harbour cruise at 2:20pm. See listing for details.
Escape from Port Arthur
Tour at 11am, Cruise at 1pm: Meet cunning characters on the Escape From Port Arthur tour at 11am, with a harbour cruise at 1pm. See listing for details.
Reviews
314 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible
P7175UFsteved,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Always an amazing experience. Budget for two days . One is not enough
Wonderful day
85suzannes,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience, lots of interesting history and artefacts! The harbour cruise also very good and historic commentary. Well worth a visit
Great experience
scottbZ9234OJ,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a guided tour. It was fantastic. In fact the whole place is a great experience. I would recommend doing a guided tour even though it was extra on top of your entry fee. Only disappointing thing was the Commamdant House wasn’t open until 10am and that’s what we missed the first day. We also missed the ghost tour but that’s as we didn’t do our research prior to arrival.
Premium tour not
Heath B,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Don't book the premium guided tour we stood in a oval 1 hour of the tour while the guide talked and then we only saw 1 building during the rest of the 2.5 hour tour You are better off doing the self guided tour and save your money
So very good
Tabatha1998,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A range of historic sites all within the compound. Great little cruise included in the price. Audio tour included, but you need to bring your headphones and smart phone.
Perfect Day in Port Arthur
Karen L,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Better than expected fabulous tour. We did miss out on the cruise due to time restrictions. Bit of an oversight, But I was very surprised by Port Arthur brilliant.
Entry fee
kiwisam50,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a great experience..but when you come off a cruise ship you have already paid your entry fee...so with purchasing threw Victor you pay it twicw
Port Arthur
Michelle S,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Port Arthur is a must see if ever you're in Tasmania. So historical with an abundance of information of how life for prisoners and those in charge, lived back then. The grounds of the site is magnificent, with beautiful lawn areas and trees with bumble bees a plenty.
Amazing glimpse at Australia's convict history
Lindy S,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We pre-booked the premium experience for 4 people and absolutely loved it. Our guide Rob was fantastic with lots of knowledge. There is lots to see here so have your walking shoes on! Our only negative for the day was on our 20 minute cruise. There were several groups of rather intoxicated and loud people who were so loud we couldn't hear the commentary. They also appeared to stay on the boat for several cruises, not getting off. Which we thought was unfair. But other than that it was a fabulous day.
Thank you Vicki, your Amazing
suewT1306UH,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you to our informative Guide Vicki, your knowledge was overwhelming. We couldn’t have asked for a better day, beautiful blue sky and temperature was just right. Lovely cruise as well. I hadn’t been to Port Arthur in over 40 years and this was the first time I’ve had a Guide. Thank you Vicki , the way you put your knowledge into facts and stories was amazing.
Related Experiences
Operated by Port Arthur Historic Sites