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Unshackled and Unmissable: 2-for-1 Winter Tours at Hobart Penitentiary for Locals

  • Hobart Penitentiary

Looking for something uniquely Tasmanian to do this winter? Step into the shadows of Hobart’s convict past with the Two Heads Are Better Than One winter deal at the Hobart Penitentiary — one of Tasmania’s most powerful heritage experiences.

From now until the end of August, Tasmanian residents can enjoy a 2-for-1 offer on the award-winning Unshackled guided tour. It’s the perfect excuse to brave the cold with a mate and explore the darker corners of Hobart’s colonial history.

Bookings

A Chilling Tale Told Where It Happened

Located at the corner of Campbell Street and Brisbane Street, right across from Officeworks in central Hobart, the Hobart Penitentiary has stood since the 1830s — right in the heart of what is now Tasmania’s vibrant capital city.

This is no ordinary tour. Unshackled takes you underground and into the depths of convict history, visiting:

  • The execution yard and gallows (yes, the original gallows),

  • Subterranean tunnels once used to ferry prisoners below the courtrooms,

  • The Rogues’ Gallery of mugshots,

  • The Convict Memorial, and

  • Pandemonium, a powerful wraparound cinematic experience that plunges you into the chaos of early colonial Hobart.

It’s immersive, eerie, and unforgettably real.

Jim Ward, Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit Jo Bird
Jim Ward, Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit Jo Bird

“These Are Your Stories”

As Jim Ward, Property Manager for the National Trust Tasmania, puts it:

“On the mainland, about 1 in 5 people have convict ancestry. In Tasmania, it’s closer to 70%. These are your stories.”

Whether you’ve got family roots going back to the First Fleet or you’re simply curious about the past that shaped this island, the Hobart Penitentiary is a must-visit — especially if you’re a local. It’s time to reconnect with Tasmania’s story, and maybe uncover a few secrets of your own.

Award-Winning, and Rightfully So

In 2023, Hobart Penitentiary made its debut in the Australian Tourism Awards and walked away with Tasmania’s Cultural Tourism Award — an impressive achievement for its first time entering.

It also consistently holds the top spot as TripAdvisor’s No. 1 ‘Things To Do in Hobart’, which says a lot about the impact it leaves on visitors — tourists and locals alike.

The credit goes to the passionate team of staff and volunteers who bring these stories to life, not just with historical accuracy but with heart.

Dont wait too long – tour numbers are capped. Book Below. 

Bookings

Plan Your Visit

  • Open Wednesday to Sunday
  • Tour Times: 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm
  • Special Offer: 2-for-1 tickets for Tasmanian residents until 31 August 2025
  • Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
  • Location: 6 Brisbane Street, Hobart TAS 7000 (directly opposite Officeworks)

Why Visit This Winter?

Because this is one of those places that feels different in the cold. The stone walls are colder, the stories feel closer, and the echoes linger just a little longer. Plus, let’s be honest — it’s twice as good when you’re only paying half the price.

So grab a mate, rug up, and take a step back into the shadows of Hobart’s past. This winter, make time for Tasmania’s history — it’s right on your doorstep.

Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Hobart Penitentiary. Image Credit: Darren Wright
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Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team

The Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team is dedicated to bringing you the best insider tips, local stories, and up-to-date guides to exploring southern Tasmania.

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