This was an amazing tour and our guide Sarah was fabulous. Yes it is a smaller site than some of the other historical jail sites but boy does it pack a punch. We learnt the history of the remaining parts of the building (unfortunately a lot was demolished due to "progress" in the city - such a shame). What we did see though was just so interesting and we learnt more about our convict history in this compact setting than elsewhere. The Pandemonium movie in the chapel was great and it put a face and background to the convicts making it more true to life. The tour of the court and mock sentencing added some realism. We then moved onto the gallows area and the related stories - especially Margaret Coghlin. This site is not as well known as the other convict sites in Tasmania but is well worth the visit. Thanks for an extremely interesting and knowledgeable tour and it has heightened our interest in our convict history.

Very worthwhile. Easy walking distance from Hobart City, warm and most welcoming staff. Our tour guide Matthew was knowledgeable and created a vision of life back in the early days of penal settlements in Tasmania. A must do for new visitors to Hobart. Gerard and Denise

This tour was a real eye opener! I've lived in Hobart all my life and walked and driven past this site hundreds of times, always knowing (sort of) what it was but it was fascinating to actually go in and see and hear the details. We took four grandchildren; 11, 9, 8 and 5 and they were all intrigued and interested over the whole time. Our guide, Matthew, was fluent and expressive and took time to let us know about some especially "gruesome" events coming up in the narrative. He also took great care to help a woman in the group with accessibility issues. The short film was engrossing and very effectively screened around the walls of the chapel. The condition of the building seemed good; we were very impressed with the Court Room, the prisoner tunnels and the gallows! Thank you to everyone and well done on maintaining this wonderful piece of history.

I didn’t have time to visit Port Arthur on my tour to Hobart. I’m certainly glad that I visited this historic jail (gaol) in Hobart. I opted for the 11:30am tour. The tour lasted for about 1.5 hours. It was well done and included a movie about the history of convicts in Tasmania. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable. It was a great tour! I highly recommend it. 😀

Penitentiary Chapel is something that has to be visited. Helen, tour guide was amazing, knowledgeable, professional and friendly in same time. She answered all our questions and explained all facts. Thank you, Helen!!! Chapel has very interesting history with dark moments, and we learned a lot about that place, people and Hobart.

As a family, we’ve undertaken convict tours at Port Arthur, Richmond Gaol, and now the Hobart Penitentiary. The Hobart Penitentiary was easily the best of them. The way the Penitentiary uses technology to bring the convicts to life through movies and interactive displays is simply amazing. You really feel as though you get to know the convicts and the experiences they faced. Even our most historically-indifferent child (8 years old) found the tour fascinating. Our three children talked about convicts all the way on our 30 minute drive home. I can’t recommend the tour highly enough. And massive kudos to the people who have tirelessly worked to bring archives to life. They have done a sensational job.

Christine was a fantastic guide- Knowledgeable and interesting.. This was by far the best tour that we have done in Hobart and we have been on many. Being able to experience the underground tunnels, cells and gallows plus the fantastic movie Paranoia with Christine's commentary was a memorable experience.

Our visit to the Hobart Penitentiary was a highlight of our visit to Hobart. Tasmania has a Convict history unequalled elsewhere in Australia and the "Tench" displays it warts and all. The opportunity to trace your convict ancestry was most impressive due to the comprehensive records available which are continually being added to. The visual presentations were excellent and the static displays around the site are impressive. A lot of effort has gone into making this an excellent museum and data site. The staff were most keen to assist you in your search for ancestors and their stories. A visit is highly recommended.

My husband and I went on an afternoon museum tour with an excellent tour guide, Angela. We had learned so much about the history of the penitentiary and the convicts who were brought there. Our tour guide, Angela, was very well-versed with the history and conveyed historical anecdotes in such a compelling way! What a fascinating history! We are happy that this historical site has been well-maintained and open to the public. This is a must-see historical site. Don't miss it when you are in Hobart. Many thanks to tour guides such as Angela for giving us such a memorable tour!

Truly impressed by the calibre of this event. If you are travelling to Hobart and want to know more about convicts then this is the place to come. Our guide Angela was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We were shown far more of the site than I expected to see and it’s (mostly) the original. Book in advance or you may miss out. We had 24 on our tour. Tour lasts 90 minutes but goes very quickly. Thanks to The National Trust. A worthy advocate for maintaining our heritage.