A "must-do" experience when visiting Hobart, the Female Cascades Factory offers an eye-opening journey through a neglected chapter of Australian history. Opt for the "in-person" guided tour; it's entirely worth it. Our guide, Marcelle, was nothing short of exceptional. Her passionate storytelling brought to life the harrowing tales of the convict women—and even children—who were incarcerated here for petty crimes. The atmosphere was palpable; standing in the same spaces these women occupied, you could feel the goosebumps and uneasiness wash over you. Our tour included a 13-year-old participant, and Marcelle skillfully used this as an opportunity to highlight the stark contrast between her life and that of young convicts her age who had to endure harrowing conditions within the factory walls. The tour was a manageable 45 minutes, ideal for family outings and easy to fit into a packed itinerary. Besides, the stories were so riveting that time seemed to fly by. The visitor's centre also adds a modern touch by discussing ongoing struggles for gender equality, making the tour relevant to today's issues. Don't miss the audio-visual presentation that portrays the hardships of life in the factory within the information centre. Don't skip the gift shop; it offers an excellent selection of books that delve deeper into the lives of these convict women. The factory is conveniently located—a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk from the city centre, and accessible via Uber, taxi, or the Red tourist bus. We took the 10 am tour in late September; the group size was comfortable, ensuring an intimate experience. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, gender studies, or just an enriching experience. * Easy to access * Family-friendly * Thought-provoking and educational * Impeccable guided tour Don't limit yourself to the well-known narratives of male convicts in Hobart; the stories of women deserve to be heard as well. I was genuinely surprised, as I had been unaware that such a place existed in Hobart during the convict era. The tour is both thought-provoking and emotionally challenging, as it brings into sharp focus the inhumane conditions that women endured in those years. Spending time at the Female Cascades Factory is not just enlightening, but an investment in understanding a critical, yet often overlooked, part of history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I did not take photos here as for me personally it felt wrong, given the history. This is an incredible and a must visit place in Hobart. There is so much history and sadness here, yet I believe it is important to visit and learn so not to repeat the same mistakes in the future as a human race. If you look closely, the place is full of metal plates with stories of individual women, their crimes and their punishments. The list of babies born in the Factory and their fates are truly overwhelming. I'm glad we visited and took our time to read and learn about the history. I highly recommend it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Well worth a visit. Links nicely into the history of Port Arthur. Went on a guided tour with Hugh who shared many stories with us. Very informative however would suggest they place more written detail around the site rather than relying on people using a QR code to access details on their phone. Majority of people on our tour did not have phones with data access. The guides who work there are very open to questions and explain things really well, and a very respectful to those who suffered at the hands of the system. Highly recommend a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Unfortunately like many others, most of this site was demolished but they have done quite a good job of recreating and marking out areas where cells, yards etc used to be. There is plenty of interesting information to read and it is refreshing to finally hear the convict story from the female experience. The book shop also has some really good books from a female perspective. It's a fairly quick journey through. In case you are looking for yard 2, you won't find it as it was on the site of the day care centre next door.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Such an interesting place to visit. The tour is very informative and will help you to understand what you are seeing and what exactly the women that were sent here went through. A must see site for people who are interested in historic sites or the plight of women. If you get a chance to see HER STORY then make the time for it. This short play/tour hybrid is entertaining, emotive and brings history to life - it would also be an amazing educational experience for children. Also great value and the money goes to preserving the site. Highly recommend!

Had an exceptional experience here. My partner and I attended the group guided tour, which is probably the best way to experience the site. If you're looking to actually explore prison cells and chambers, this may not be the place for you. But for anyone with a passion for history, stories, women's liberation & justice, I honestly can't recommend Cascades enough. And with the incredible storytelling prowess of the staff, you're taken on a powerful journey through the abject misery of Tasmanias convict history. Well worth it!

Fascinating history about female convicts in the early days of Tasmania. A lot of the original site has been lost to time but the architects have done a good job in restoring the site to help us reimagine what it would have looked like in the past. We went for the guided tour that was well worth it as she took us through the yards. Audio recordings are also available but can be a bit draggy to listen to.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Even though there is not much left of the internal buildings the tour guide made us imagine what it was like to be there for the women who were imprisoned here. The history of this place was so tragic and interesting I’m glad I visited. It is an important part of Australian history that needs to be told. My ticket also included the audio tour which was also informative
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Unsettling, my 3 x GGM was there from 1835... but extremely informative. Tour and tour guide was top class as were the exhibits. Reception people very helpful and professional. Not sure if I missed it but didn't hear the tour guide mention the Female Convicts Research Centre or see a posters etc in the building directing people. I've used their work extensively. Truly great work. Thank you.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This is a must see experience. We loved every second being there. The stories and history left us speechless. Highly recommend everyone to do the Convicts Women's Tour and The Proud and the Punished performance. Doing both of these gives you so much information and the performance is just phenomenal you feel what it would have been like to be one of these women so emotional. Thank you for one of our most experiences I think we have ever had.

Firstly- staff were great (thank you!). Secondly- download the app (for audio guide) and take along your imagination. This is a historic site, so it's not intact anymore. If you use the audio guide, you'll get a fantastic experience. The place is well laid out and has just the right amount of information. So glad we paid a visit!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

A very worthwhile place to learn about women convicted and their incarceration at The Female Factory. A valuable and sombre lesson in Women’s Rights or lack of at that time, the impact on children with a very sad list of children who passed. Thanks Mark for your informative overview, lucky women have men like you on our side today ❤️
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A moving place. The on site interpretation is fantastic and our guide for the day-Hugh-did a magnificent job bringing the history of the place to life. I visited on a weekday and it was ironic and quite bitter sweet that there is now a daycare centre adjoining the wall of the Factory nursery. A must visit if you are in Hobart.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

My daughter and I really enjoyed doing the audio tour around this place. It was quite an eye opener. I didn't realise how much women prisoners suffered back in the time and it was very sad but interesting to learn abou the history of this place. The staff were great too!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

We saw this in a Tassie tourist brochure and decided to stop here on route to the brewery. Honestly, we didn't know what to expect and we didn't know much about the place. It was truly fascinating to walk through and see how female convicts were managed in days long ago. We spent about 1.5 hours here. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Hobart.

Parking available along the streets but limited. The rich history is very interesting but might be abit heavy for the little ones. The staff there were very helpful and friendly. We also join the tour about the convict ladies. Guide was good and informative.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Worth a visit to understand the history of female convicts brought to Tasmania. The Guided Tour is highly recommended, as they take you through the journey/story of the Female Factory really well!! Marcel (our guide) was awesome! Great story teller/guide.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I visited the site with a group and booked a guide. Reading of a sheet wasn't very inspiring and the presentation needed to be a little more interesting in terms of story telling, or a little more interactive history presentation like Port Arthur.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I would strongly recommend a visit to this site and I would also highly recommend a guided tour. The guide was very informative about the history of the site and of the history of the female convicts sent there from Britain, mainly for petty crimes. It tells you a lot about society and (in)justice in 19th century Britain. More

Very glad we took the time to visit the Female Factory and join a tour. Our guide Hugh was fabulous, providing so much information and insight into this historic site. Such an important part of Australia's history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The history and stories here are so tragic! So wonderful that the people working there care so much. The wall with the list of over 2000 babies and young children born and died there was heartbreaking.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Not a lot to see here , but worth a visit to understand early Tasmania. Not a lot of parking & a small fee to have a look around. Helpful information staff on site & very modern, clean toilets.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

An interesting insight into the sad and tragic lives of these women and children. You have the choice of self guided audio tour or for a bit extra cost, a personal tour guide. I would recommend doing this for context as otherwise the space seems very sparse and uninteresting.

Very interesting place to visit. There isn't a lot left of the actual building but they have made a great demonstrating of what it would have looked like to have worked her. Poor women were treated very poorly as were most of those sent to Tasmania as a penal colony.

Really loved it, the tour was fantastic as was our guide. The stories are quite sad, but I think everyone should go there at least once. My husband and I cannot recommend it anymore highly. If you are in Hobart please visit you will not be disappointed.

I visited here with my 5 year old and although this is an excellent example of its type which is immaculately kept, there wasn't much to keep her entertained for much more than 45 minutes. It might be a better trip to do without kids. More

Very little to actually "see". Was expecting (hoping) for more back stories in the history rather than "here was a room where people lived" when there isn't even the room or the building to see! For the AU$25 price, I'm not sure I'd

This is a great place .I highly recommend you do the guided tour and the performance tour .Hugh our tour guide and Karissa who did performance tour really gave a great insight into what it was like back then. Highly recommend. More

Hauntingly beautiful place but please do yourself a favour and book the show. The insight and knowledge you'll get is far better than any self guided tour. The actress who plays the various roles is phenomenal More

Incredible space. The heritage interpretation has been done so respectfully and the guided tour was excellent. Thank you Hugh!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Loved the history of the female convicts. Very sad but we must learn all of our history in this country. We were given a tour of the place which was great. Little gift shop with books and so forth. More

The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site in Hobart is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. This site provides a fascinating insight into the lives of female convicts in the early 19th century.

Went there Nov.12th for a tour and I didn't regret it! This place is full of rich history, amazing stories, and is actually one of the listed World Heritage sites in Tasmania. Highly recommend!

Make sure you do the play, so informative, the tour guide is great but if I had to pick one it would be the play. You really get an understanding of how hard the living conditions were.

Site was a very interesting place to walk around and take in, sobering to hear the stories, front desk staff member was quite short and came across rude to my wife.

We did a tour how interesting is this place and how sad is this place. Totally recommend it but best to do it tour so you understand the whole experience. More

I am all for preserving this historic site. I stand with and for women and children' rights! I thought this to be a little overpriced for what is to offer!

Really enjoyed the audio tour. it is great to see history being preserved and shared.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Amazing place with amazing but sad stories. Be sure to take the guided tour.
Visited on…
More

Amazing tour all worth doing so much history
Visited on
Weekday