Unshackled Hobart Penitentiary

Tour Operator

Penitentiary Chapel guided tour in progress

Penitentiary Chapel clock tower 1834 facing Brisbane Street

Hobart Penitentiary subterranean tunnel linking courtrooms and cells

Unshackled - Hobart Penitentiary offers four experiences for one ticket price: Convict Memorial: a digital history experience allowing visitors to trace the lives of each of the 75,000 convicts transported to Tasmania 1803-1853 Pandemonium: a dynamic widescreen presentation of Tasmania’s convict years 1803-1853, shown in the prison chapel Rogues’ Gallery: a series of portraits of colourful convict characters Site tour: a guided tour of one of Australia’s richest convict sites, wrought by convict labour for convicts, moving through courtrooms, subterranean tunnels, cells, the gallows and the prison exercise yard. The Hobart Penitentiary began in 1821 as the Hobart Prison Barracks, built as accommodation for convicts employed in Government public works. In 1834 the surviving Penitentiary Chapel was completed. 75,000 convicts were transported to Van Diemen’s Land between 1803 and 1853. Of these 62,500 were male convicts. After 1821 all male convicts were processed here before being given labour assignments across the island. In 1857-1860 convicts still under sentence were employed in converting two wings of the former Penitentiary Chapel as courtrooms. One wing remained as the prison chapel for the Penitentiary, then known as the Hobart Gaol. The Hobart Town gallows were relocated to the site with thirty-two people executed at the site 1857- 1946. The Gaol was demolished in 1963 while the courts remained at the site until 1983.

98A Campbell Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000

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Tours

Noose in the Gallows at the Hobart Convict Penitentiary

Tour

Hobart Convict Penitentiary Ghost Tour

Come tour the Hobart Convict Penitentiary after dark and hear the stories of those that experienced Heaven and Hell in the Chapel and the solitary cells beneath, those that were sentenced for their crimes in the court rooms, the lives that were ended at the Gallows, and the spirits that remain haunting every wall.

$35

Pandemonium at the Hobart Convict Penitentiary

Tour

Pandemonium - The Convict Film Experience

As part of the overall Unshackled - Hobart Penitentiary experience, immerse yourself in the chaos of convict life in Van Dieman's Land through the world-class multisensory film experience 'Pandemonium'. Hear the stories, feel the emotions, and walk the footsteps of the wretched souls who passed through here. The Hobart Penitentiary, was the dark heart of the convict system in Tasmania. Behind the high, imposing walls, over 40,000 men ate, prayed, slept and were punished. ‘Pandemonium – The Convict Film Experience’ is an immersive audio-visual experience projected four metres tall onto the walls within the original Penitentiary Chapel where the convicts actually sat. The film contextually connects the convict sites around the state, and explores the journey – from conviction, to transportation and beyond – of our convict ancestors.

$30 - $35

Offers

Offers

The Off Season

Uncover the spine-tingling secrets of the Hobart Penitentiary. Be led into the darkest corners of Tasmania’s convict past by experienced guides who unveil grim tales from within the cells and gallows. Learn about the 75,000 convicts exiled to Van Diemen’s Land then delve into the cold, underground tunnels at night with an atmospheric ghost tour if you're brave enough.

$35 Adults - Concession Prices available.

Valid from Wednesday 1 May 2024 to Saturday 31 August 2024

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Please check the terms and conditions of the tour on the website when you book.

Places to stay

Accommodation

The Quarry House Luxury Retreat

Hobart

The Quarry House Luxury Retreat consists of two self-contained one bedroom suites with luxury finishes and indulgent inclusions such as fine Tasmanian whisky, wine, beer, chocolates and breakfast supplies. The Quarry House caters for only a small number of guests in order to provide a premium experience and maintain guest privacy. Choose from one bedroom suites- the Lark or the Alcorso named after two pioneers of Tasmania's world-renowned whisky and wine scene. Both suites have an ever changing vista of Mount Wellington. Your accommodation consists of a kitchenette with oven, full size fridge and pantry, a dining/ lounge area with Foxtel and free Wi-Fi, separate bedroom with a king size bed, ensuite with shower, soft fluffy bathrobes and a washing machine just in case. Secured parking is also included. Get a taste of the best Tasmania has to offer with inclusions of the award-winning Lark Whisky and Boags Beer.

Accommodation

The Corinda Collection

Hobart

Perched right next to Hobart's CBD and boasting far reaching views over the harbour and Domain, this unique boutique hotel is ideally placed for visits to MONA, Salamanca Place and the museums, as well as for shops and restaurants in the bustling city centre. Each of the spacious, light-filled bedrooms is named after one of Alfred Crisp's ten children. Each one is different, furnished with original antiques and mellow textiles. From most, you can see for miles over our spectacular garden and Hobart's famous harbour. Your breakfast on the verandah is one you won`t forget, either, with fresh home baked bread, eggs from our own farm, crisp organic bacon and jams made specially for us from the choicest Tasmanian fruits.

Accommodation

Quest Trinity House

Hobart

Quest Trinity House offers quality apartment accommodation on the fringe of Hobart's historic Glebe. It's within a 15-minute stroll of the central business district, the city's renowned waterfront areas, Salamanca Place, Battery Point, and all major sporting venues. Quest Trinity House is ideal for the corporate, conference or leisure traveller and offers apartment style accommodation in either tastefully restored and heritage listed Trinity House (c.1840) and Christ College (c.1929) or in a modern townhouse style all set in an expansive garden setting. Apartments range in size from studios to four bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, laundries, and some with spa. There is ample free parking on site. It's an ideal base to explore the scenic, historic and gourmet delights of Southern Tasmania. Take a brewery tour, do some beer tasting or visit some wineries. Day trip to the historic convict settlement at Port Arthur, explore the Tasman Peninsula's many natural attractions, and for a marine or wildlife experience take an eco cruise or visit the Tasmanian Devil Park. A baby sitting booking service is also provided.

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