4.5Port Arthur Historic Site(4.917 reviews) - Must do when in Tassie! Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • History Museums
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, just 90 minutes’ drive southeast of Hobart, is a national award-winning major tourist attraction. Spanning over 40 hectares with more than 30 historic buildings to explore, Port Arthur brings Australia’s early convict history to life with interactive experiences, guided tours, harbour cruises, dramatisations and the spine-chilling Ghost Tour after dark. Every ticket to Port Arthur includes a self-guided audio experience, complimentary site talks at key locations, a harbour cruise and access to the site for two consecutive days. Additional tours are available for anyone seeking a more in-depth look around the convict ruins and their stories with the Convict Tour, Commandant's tour, Escape from Port Arthur Tour and the Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour. Dine in 1830 Restaurant & Bar as the sun sets over the sandstone ruins before joining a lantern-lit ghost tour for a very different experience of the historic site.See more..
4.5Cascades Female Factory Historic Site(1.995 reviews)from $16.94 - Confronting and informative history of the female convict story Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory is Australia's most significant historic site associated with female convicts. At this site you can come to know the largely unknown history of over 6,000 women and girls that were transported to Van Diemen's Land and the some 2,000 babies that were born within the factory walls. Their stories are equally harrowing and inspiring. Interwoven with them are the First Nation’s stories of Palawa, a culture over 40,000 years old and which was so gravely impacted by British colonisation. Site entry includes a self-guided audio experience and access to the grounds and gallery. Additional tours run throughout the day include the Convict Women's History Tour and the acclaimed dramatised performance 'The Proud and the Punished.'See more..
Hear incredible tales of crime and punishment as you experience the courts, underground tunnels, chapel, solitary cells and gallows of this internationally-significant convict site. Access to the site is only via guided tour - bookings highly recommended! Wednesday to Sunday - 10am, 11:30, 1pm and 2:30. Special Holiday Tours - Monday 9th - 10am, 11:30, 1pm and 2:30, and Tuesday 10th - 10am, 11:30, 1pm and 2:30! Book now!! or book a guided Ghost Tour: Thursday to Saturday - 6pm or 8pm. Please check our booking website for up to date information.See more..
4.5Constitution Dock(687 reviews) - A lot to see Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Piers & Boardwalks • Lookouts
From the yachts and boats moored, the brass sculptures, the old buildings and the historic details written on signs and on brass means there is a lot to see at Constitution Dock. The Mona Ferry terminal is on Brooke Pier and it has a lovely cafe and Tasmanian craft and produce stalls. Fish restaurants and floating fish shops on the dock guarantee that you can get a good fish feed.See more..
4.5Richmond Gaol(649 reviews) - Stark reminder of the colony's convict past Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Richmond Gaol is the oldest fully intact convict Gaol in Australia. It was built 5 years before Port Arthur. It is rare in that it housed both male and female convicts. The cost is $12 per adult $6 per child and $30 per family. Discount for group bookings on request. Ph03 62602127See more..
Highfield Historic Site is an 1830's farm complex built by convict labor. The Van Diemen's Land Company chose to settle in the area to establish a large scale sheep grazing property. The site is open to the public and interprets the conflicts that arose with the Company's men and the Aboriginal people. The house and outbuildings are being restored by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service as the property had fallen into disrepair. The site is open daily from 1 September - 31 May, open weekdays from 1 June - 31 AugustSee more..
4.0Spiky Bridge(384 reviews) - Disappointing at first, then blown away. Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
I was utterly disappointed at first, after a long drive with nothing much to see along the way. Then I decided to just read a little about it and magic happened when the sun lowered. It’s beautiful. So much history and easily missed but I’m glad I didn’t miss it.See more..
4.5Woolmers Estate(218 reviews) - A unique glimpse into rural Colonial life in Tasmania Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
Myself and two friends had a delightful visit to Woolmers Estate in lovely sunshine. It is a pioneer farm and World Heritage Convict Site,a short drive from Launceston. Our tour guide, Sue was friendly and informative and we enjoyed the interesting tour of the house with so much original furniture and many personal items giving us an insight into Colonial family life about 100 years ago. We enjoyed strolling around the grounds and picturesque walled garden around the house. The magnificent rose garden was in full bloom, and the art gallery in the the beautifully designed main entrance building was worth a visit too. This is a real gem, and a unique glimpse into past rural life in Tasmania.See more..
Callington Mill Distillery, the 'Rolls Royce' of whisky distilleries. Immerse yourself in the distilling process from barley to barrel with our guided or self guided tours. Sample the finest Tasmanian Single Malt whiskies. Dine in our onsite restaurant sourcing the freshest Tasmanian produce. Explore the lovingly restored heritage precinct and discover one of Australia's oldest tower mills.See more..
The Coal Mines Historic Site was Tasmania’s first operational mine, established as a much-needed local source of coal, but also as a place of punishment for the ‘worst class’ of convicts.Along with the nearby Port Arthur Historic Site, the Coal Mines Historic Site is included in the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing.A visit to the Coal Mines is a fascinating and rewarding adjunct to any visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site.See more..
4.0Ross Female Factory(159 reviews) - Simply lovely and very historic. Historic Sites
Not a lot is left of the original buildings but a real treat is the early cemetery . A few blocks away from the Women's Factory but on the same hill. Unfortunately the Women's burial ground is lost in time as they and their many children were buried in unmarked graves.See more..
4.5Runnymede House(159 reviews) - National Trust House Tour Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
This beautifully preserved 19th-century whaling captain's elegant homestead is just 8 minutes' drive from the Hobart CBD (en route to MONA). The house has a rich collection of artefacts related to the maritime interests of Captain Charles Bayley and his family, who made it their home for over 100 years. There are also historic artworks and possessions of the previous owner Bishop Francis Nixon, Tasmania's first Anglican bishop. The house was built around 1840 for Robert Pitcairn, one of the first lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court in Van Diemen's Land colony and a leading campaigner against the transportation of convicts from Britain. Closed July and August for House cleaning and Maintenance.See more..
Someone recommended we visit Brickendon on our recent trip to Tasmania and I’m so glad they did. It was fascinating to walk around and see the convict built buildings and discover the history. We did briefly visit the garden as well, but being winter, there was not as much to see. Will have to head back down sometime in spring. Really enjoyed our visit!See more..
4.5Entally Estate(86 reviews) - An experience not to miss Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Wineries & Vineyards
Entally Estate is a historic homestead with various outbuildings, including Australia's oldest conservatory, chapel, Stables & carriage house. The property encompasses grand, parklike surroundings with magnificent gardens and a vineyard. House & garden tours are available Wednesday - Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. Group, school & bus tours are available upon request.See more..
Explore one of Australia's grandest rural colonial estates set in 7 hectares of beautiful riverside parklands. This Georgian country mansion with Italianate facade and servants' quarters has a heritage walled garden, farm outbuildings, a rare avenue of Elms, and is also home to the Australian Fly Fishing Museum, Costume Museum and the Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre photo and family history collection. Includes conservatory tearooms & gift shop. PLEASE NOTE! The house itself is closed until January 2016 for the installation of a new roof and refurbishment. Parklands and gardens, Fly Fishing Museum and Heritage Centre will be open from September 2015 - check website for details. From January 2016 a new range of tours and a theatre experience will be available - ring the visitor centre for details.See more..
4.5Home Hill(73 reviews) - Home Hill Devonport Historic Sites • Gardens
This fascinating National Trust property was home to Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and Dame Enid Lyons together with their 12 children. Built by them in 1916 Home Hill was the heart of the family's life and contains a rich collection of personal material. A guided tour of the property provides an unexpected insight into Australian political life during the momentous events of the mid twentieth century. Public access is by guided tour only at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm, Wednesday and Thursday and 12.30pm and 2pm Saturday. Bookings are preferred. Please book at https://nationaltrust.org.au/tas/ . Also available for group or private bookings/afternoon teas etc. Closed during July and August.See more..
3.5Willow Court Asylum(66 reviews) - Amazing undeveloped history Historic Sites
The beautiful and historic Willow Court & Barracks precinct will be open for tours and a full program of activities in a not to be missed opportunity to explore and learn about Australia’s oldest continually run mental hospital and Military Barracks that pre-dates Port Arthur.Open day coincides with Frascati garden tours—once the Hospital Superintendent’s residence This is a rare opportunity not to be missed!See more..
We had the privilege of staying on this beautiful Estate in the Coachmans Cottage. The highlight were the animals- Nellie the pig, Delilah, Poppy and dear little Winifred the puppies and the two lambs. Thank you for sharing this special Place that you are lucky enough to to call home. We enjoyed every moment!! See more..
We spent a morning visiting the various sites at Port Arthur. We had a guided tour with a fantastic guide who was able to explain the history of the various site in great detail. Well worth a visit and we could have spent longer at the site. The boat trip gives a great view of the whole Port Arthur site.See more..
4.5The Separate Prison(21 reviews) - Haunting. Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Its hard to imagine what being a prisoner in this place would've been like. You go in quietly and stay quiet while you are in there. Such a demoralizing place to be. It was based on the British Pentonville gaol system where isolation was key to breaking the prisoner. The building itself was preserved well and has a lot of good displays and information in it. The parish was good and seeing the isolation pews, made it real as you have to go to church and can only see the pastor.See more..
4.5The Church(20 reviews) - Still being used for weddings Historic Sites
This was the first stop on the ghost tour and was amazing lit up up night and looked beautiful and eerie at the same time. It was also amazingly beautiful in the day time and packed full of history. Up to 1100 people worshipped there every week. The church was never consecrated so the pastors could do cross denominational sermons for the people. It was damaged in 1884 by fire. People also still have weddings there to this day. It would make great photos for your album.See more..
4.0Queenstown Railway Station(19 reviews) - Don't overlook this Station. More than meets the eye! Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Railway station, free museum, gorgeous cafe and tourist information centre and tourist shop. Watch the old trains come in and be turned manually or better still, jump on board one and take a half day or a full day tour through rainforests with spectacular views OR raft one way down stream and catch the train back to the station. So many awesome options! See more..
Admired design, masonry and workmanship at many sites around the Port Arthur site. Guard Tower a feature. Built solid to house military barracks and located near to the Commandments house. Beautiful structure & terrific to explore.See more..
4.5The Commandants House(15 reviews) - Cant see all of it. Half is closed to the public. Historic Sites
It is set high on the hill, away from the main settlement. It is one of the oldest building on the site. It has been added onto by each of the Commandants living there. It has contrasting styles from the front to the back. It is a beautiful place to see. It is set among some lovely gardens. A superb example of colonial buildings.See more..
4.5Paupers Depot(10 reviews) - The start of goverment health care. Historic Sites
The paupers depot could be classed as the start of government health care in Australia. This where those convicts too old and feeble to care for themselves were housed and taken care of. Its heartening to visit this place as when convicts, they weren't treated well and then if they couldn't take care of themselves, they were actually taken care of by nurses. Its gladdening.See more..
The stamper mill is relic of another time when Waratah was a tin-mining town of world renown. Unfortunately those days ended many years ago and now it is more akin to a ghost town. The stamper mill dates from those halcyon mining days and a few years ago it was disassembled and moved to its current site in town, where the jigsaw puzzle was re-assembled. That was a significant achievement, and it is well worth a visit. The site has good information on the move as well as how the stamper operates. (It was not working when we visited.)See more..
4.0Eddystone Point Lighthouse(8 reviews) - Magical Oasis Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
Did the drive from Binalong Bay on a windy cool day. Road is half paved and half unpaved so takes a little while to get there but it was so worth the trip. It felt like the end of the world. No-one there when we arrived so we checked out the beautiful lighthouse then walked out to the amazing huge bay of fires boulders with that amazing red all over them with gorgeous little rock pools that were so blue. It was magical and a lovely place to take some gorgeous photos. Just wandered around for a while as the place was just so beautiful. Travelled for a month around Tassie and this place was probably one of my favourite. Very magical and well worth the drive.See more..
Government Cottage is on elevated land, and mostly ruins at this point, compared to many in tact almost liveable restored cottages on this siteSee more..
5.0Dove Lake Boatshed(5 reviews) - Fantastic day. Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
This is another stop on the Dove lake circuit. Another beautiful spot. Easy to get to. We had a fantastic day.See more..
There is great information signage throughout the Historic Site covering both the Settlement years and some of the events post 1877. The sign at the building tells that it was built in 1936, on the site of the Old Prisoners Barracks, as a Police Station, and Trooper Roy Langford, his wife and three children took up residence. After 1877 there was a police presence at Port Arthur, the Police Station in the former Law Courts. When the building was destroyed by fire in 1895 the police moved to Premaydena, but by 1936 with tourist numbers increasing, more vandalism, etc., it was decided that a police presence was required on site, hence the new building. It closed in 1973 but operated as Langford's Tearooms for a further ten years.See more..
4.5The Derby Bank House(4 reviews) - An iconic Bank Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Right in front of our Bed and Breakfast was an attractive bank. It is called now the Derby Bank House, It was built in 1888 and it is still a bank today. wow! It also has the oldest timber in all of Australia. I saw many tourists stopping at that bank and take pictures of it. After all, it is attractive. Someone told me that it was an iconic landmark. I enjoyed admiring this bank. Worthwhile to see!See more..
4.5Waldheim Chalet(4 reviews) - Waldheim Chalet Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Waldheim Chalet sits between the Waldheim accommodation cabins and Weindorfers Forest Walk. Its a surprising piece of history you can enter (free) to get a glimpse of yesteryear. Some small mocked up rooms showing how it might have been back them for the Weindorfer's living there. Its worth the time to explore if you are in the areaSee more..
4.0York Town Historic Site(3 reviews) - Walk Back in History & Imagine Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
It was great to visit the site of the 4th British settlement in Australia. There is nothing physiaclly left of the settlement but there is a guided walk with interpretive signage so you can imagine what was where. Well worth a visit, its free and the walk is easy - would be suitable for prams and wheel chairs. There is a small car park and clean toilets.See more..
On the main bend adjacent to the Highfield Historic Site, this small ruins has a commanding ocean view. A little bit of history can be found on the plague, worth a brief stop if you are in the areaSee more..
4.0Wilmot War Memorial(1 review) - Wilmot War Memorial Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
This small memorial stands proud roadside at the edge of the little country town of Wilmot, a stunningly beautiful area. The Wilmot War Memorial lists 21 names of the fallen from this area, from WW 1 & 2See more..
4.0The Franklin Lockup(1 review) - Historical double cell block by the highway Historic Sites
Standing by the Huon Highway in Franklin is a small piece of history, a well kept double cell block known as the Franklin Lockup. In the late nineteenth century there were two of these buildings used in Franklin as short term holding cells, apparently also portable. The cells would have been incredibly cold in winter, open bars above the bolted door, currently the cell displays the simple objects of a blanket, bucket and a bottle as possible 'luxuries' provided for the detained.See more..
Noted this tower-like structure as we entered Evandale and my first thought was that it was the remains of an old garrison fort. The attached sign indicated that it is a Water Tower, part of the Evandale Water Supply Scheme designed and constructed by Robert Gould. Officially opened in 1896, it supplied the town with water until 1968. The tower is kept full with 80,000 litres of water to preserve the structure.See more..
Oatlands Key(0 review) Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites Collect an Oatlands Key from participating businesses for free entry and self-guided tours of the historic Oatlands Commissariat (1828), Supreme Court House (1829) and Gaoler's Residence (1837).See more..
