Cascades Female Factory Historic Site — Attraction in Hobart

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,...

This place is a profoundly moving testament to the resilience and suffering of women convicts in Tasmania—a part of history we simply aren't taught enough about in schools. Visiting here felt like paying homage to the strength, hope, and unimaginable courage of over 7,000 women who endured so much. The stories told here aren’t just important—they’re vital. They deserve to be shouted from rooftops, not buried in the margins of history books.

The guided tour (included in the entry price) is absolutely essential, though the self-guided option and online audio tour are also excellent. Our guide—Hugh, with a gift for storytelling—helped bring the women's experiences to life with compassion and insight. Every question we asked was met with thoughtful answers that only deepened our understanding of what these women went through.

Walking through the yards and exploring the museum was a deeply emotional experience. To stand in the spaces where these women lived and died was heartbreaking. The sheer humanity and dignity with which the staff approach this history is remarkable. They honor these women and their stories with the care they deserve.

It’s impossible not to feel the weight of their pain and struggles, but also to marvel at their resilience and strength. Many of these women endured unspeakable suffering, some carrying that pain for the rest of their lives, while others found a way to move forward. Either way, their stories deserve to be told, remembered, and respected.

I spent four hours here, completely absorbed, and I could have stayed longer. It’s a treasure of a place—raw, powerful, and unforgettable. If you want to understand the forgotten truths of women’s history, this is a must-visit. Bring your curiosity, your respect, and maybe a...

Overall, a really disappointing experience. I must first give credit to the fantastic staff member who assisted us at the bookings desk. She was enthusiastic, attentive and informative. What remains of this world heritage site is well preserved. Being short on time, we opted to do a 'self guided tour' at $25p.p. You are directed to use your phone, scan a QR and download a podcast through Spotify and/or a handful of other streaming services. You're given an A4 bit of black and white photo copied paper with a Birds Eye view of the prison with numbers. Once out in the yards, what I found most disappointing was the lack of any physical information; there are no placards, no interactive displays or anything. The lack of remaining ruins wasn't the issue, it was the fact the only way you can get information on a self guided tour was through use of your mobile phone and holding it up to your ear if you're hearing impaired, or feeling uncomfortable with it at full volume around other guests. We spent a total of 25 minutes on site and left feeling ripped off and embarrassed. I had been looking forward to seeing the prison after visiting the Richmond Gaol (which this site could take a leaf from their book-for $12 they provide you with a full self guided booklet with so much wonderful information) and other convict sites around the state. Another small detail I noticed, were weeds growing through the gravelled courtyard and poorly raked surfaces. It looked as though the caretaker didn't really care at all. As another review stated, save your money, read up on it and spend your...