Cross the still waters of Mason Cove by boat to Port Arthur's hauntingly beautiful Isle of the Dead — the convict-era burial ground — then on to Point Puer, the world's first reformatory for juvenile convicts, with a specialist guide all to yourself.
What to expect
A short boat transfer crosses the glassy harbour to the Isle of the Dead, a thickly wooded island whose graves record the full social hierarchy of the convict system — free settlers buried with headstones, convicts marked only with numbers. Your guide navigates the headstones with deep knowledge of individual stories. From there, the boat continues to Point Puer, the world's first penal institution built specifically for boys, where you stand on the actual stone jetty where child convicts once landed. The views back to the main settlement are among the most photographed in Tasmania, and the emotional resonance is profound.
Good to know
Tours depart from the Port Arthur jetty throughout the day; the 11 am or 1 pm departures suit most cruise schedules. Site entry must be purchased in addition to the boat tour. Pre-book both the site entry and the boat tour at the official website to guarantee your spot, especially in peak season (December–February).
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Port Arthur — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.