Port Arthur Historic Site Admission and Tour Options

Top rated
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
445 reviews
Activity provider:
Port Arthur Historic Site
Add to wishlist
Port Arthur Historic Site Admission and Tour Options
Top rated
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
445 reviews

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site brings Australia’s early convict history to life. Site entry tickets include a self-guided audio experience, free talks, and a harbor cruise.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Valid 1 day
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
D
David – Australia

We walked the site ourselves and had no problem getting around as it is well sign posted. The 20 minute cruise around the bay was very good and it had excellent commentary.

5
5 out of 5 stars
I
Ian M – Australia

It was very interesting and educational. An all day stroll through the site to see as much as possible. We also took the 20 minute harbour cruise which was included in the entry fee. The penitentiary, old homes, chapels, prison blocks and other historical buildings all told a story of 19th century Port Arthur. At the end of our tour by foot, we paid our respects to the memorial for those who lost their lives in April, 1996. That was an emotional moment. Before we left, we purchased a book from the souvenir shop. The book titled "Pack of Thieves" gives a brief account of some of the prisoners that served time at this location. It was a great day. We really enjoyed it.

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio experience
  • Engage with expert guides with free site talks daily
  • Get out on the water with a harbor cruise around the Isle of the Dead
  • Connect with historical characters through personalized stories

Full description

Explore the award-winning iconic attraction, the Port Arthur Historic Site. Just a short 1.5 hour drive from nipaluna / Hobart in turrakana / the Tasman Peninsula, the Port Arthur Historic Site has over 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes set in 40 hectares of landscaped grounds.

Allow plenty of time to fully experience all that Port Arthur has to offer. Site entry tickets are valid for daytime entry for two consecutive days and includes a harbor cruise, a self-guided audio experience, and complimentary site talks by expert guides throughout the site.

Start your experience in the Port Arthur Gallery where you can select a character card to connect with one of the convicts, soldiers, or free settlers that spent time in this secondary punishment station. Listen to personal histories of the people of Port Arthur and explore the collections of artifacts that have been uncovered there.

Stream the Port Arthur Experience as you venture through the convict ruins and lush gardens at your own pace. Wander through meticulously curated house museums and engage with expert guides with free presentations throughout the day.

A short harbor cruise will present the site to you as the convicts would have experienced back in the 1800s. Enjoy historical commentary as you cruise around the Isle of the Dead and past the Dockyards and Point Puer the site of the first Boys Prison in the British Empire.

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.

Includes

  • General Admission to Port Arthur Historic Site (valid for two consecutive days)
  • Self-guided audio experience (bring a charged smartphone)
  • 20-minute harbor cruise
  • Complimentary site talks by expert guides and specialist staff
  • Access to more than 30 historic buildings, ruins, gardens, and restored houses on the site
  • Courtesy shuttle service for people who may have restricted mobility
  • Free wi-fi
  • Additional tours, if selected in options
  • Headphones (bring your own)
  • Food and drinks (available at multiple locations on site)
  • Transport to and from Port Arthur
  • Additional tours, if not selected in options

Meeting point

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Credit card
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • ID card, copy accepted
  • Disability card

Know before you go

  • If you are sailing to Port Arthur via a cruise ship (and not travelling by bus from Hobart), your entry ticket has already been paid by the cruise ship company.

From $35 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5
4.7 out of 5 stars

based on 445 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
5
5 out of 5 stars
D
David – AustraliaApril 12, 2025 – Verified booking
We walked the site ourselves and had no problem getting around as it is well sign posted. The 20 minute cruise around the bay was very good and it had excellent commentary.
5
5 out of 5 stars
I
Ian M – AustraliaMarch 2, 2025 – Verified booking
It was very interesting and educational. An all day stroll through the site to see as much as possible. We also took the 20 minute harbour cruise which was included in the entry fee. The penitentiary, old homes, chapels, prison blocks and other historical buildings all told a story of 19th century Port Arthur. At the end of our tour by foot, we paid our respects to the memorial for those who lost their lives in April, 1996. That was an emotional moment. Before we left, we purchased a book from the souvenir shop. The book titled "Pack of Thieves" gives a brief account of some of the prisoners that served time at this location. It was a great day. We really enjoyed it.
5
5 out of 5 stars
G
Gaylene – New ZealandFebruary 21, 2025 – Verified booking
Easy to book tickets online and enter the site on arrival. Did not go with a tour guide and found it easy to get info from the app

Product ID: 108664

Activity provider:
Port Arthur Historic Site

Top Attractions in Port Arthur

Experiences in Port Arthur

Tours in Australia

Things to do in Australia

Top destinations

Top attraction categories

Popular Attractions