Port Arthur Historic Site
Wheelchair Access Port Arthur Historic Site
We really wanted to visited the Port Arthur historic site while we were in Tasmania. Port Arthur is about an 1 hour 30min drive from Hobart.
There isn’t a lot of transport options from Hobart to port Arthur apart from driving or a tour bus. Please read my full review on transport to Port Arthur here.
Our drive to Port Arthur was so beautiful and scenic. We decided to book in a helicopter flight while we were down in Port Arthur. We booked in with Osborn Heli Tours. After the helicopters flight we drove to the Port Arthur historic site down the road.
I was very keen to visit the Port Arthur historic site. The history of the old historic site was so interesting. The atmosphere there is very eerie but I found it fascinating to hear the stories of the imprisoned convicts and the soldiers that lived and worked there. It makes you really appropriate the time we live in and the things we take for granted.
I actually found the Port Arthur Historic site more wheelchair accessible than I thought it would be. They had a glass ramp around the back of the old prison to allow wheelchair access inside.
There was also access to the Silent prison and it’s outside area. There were steps up into the cell sections, but I was still able to see them from the bottom of the steps.
They also had an old cottage that was accessible via a ramp.
A few of the buildings were not accessible due to steps, but this was to be expected with such an old site, nevertheless most places that could be made accessible were.
They have a 20 minute cruise around the island of the dead. The cruise is fully wheelchair friendly, and is included in the admission price. They offer additional tours, but they are not wheelchair accessible. You are able to get off and do a tour of the island of the dead at an extra cost, but the Island has a flight of steps, which makes it not accessible for wheelchair users
The port Arthur historic site is a massive site, and you can easily spend all day there. There is a lot of walking, and they do offer golf buggy shuttles for people with limited mobility, but you need to be able to transfer from your chair. They than can attach your manual wheelchair to the back of the buggy. This isn’t an option for electric wheelchair uses.
We had a awesome day at the historic site. It is certainly a must see if you visit Tasmania,
In my opinion I give Port Arthur Historic Site a rating of 3.5 for wheelchair accessibility, and 4.5 stars for the overall experience .
* I was not financially compensated for this review. The review is based on my own opinion and personal experience.*