Cascades Female Factory Historic Site

The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is a former female convict prison located in South Hobart, Tasmania, at the foot of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Operating from 1828 to 1856, it housed more than 5,000 female convicts and is one of 11 sites comprising the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage property. Today the conserved yards, interpretation centre and exhibitions present the history and lived experiences of convict women and children in colonial Australia.

Visitors can explore three of the original five walled yards, solitary confinement cells, matron's cottage remains and archaeological ruins set against the foothills of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. The site includes an interpretation centre with exhibitions, artefacts and audio installations, and guided heritage tours led by costumed interpreters. The environment is open-air with gravel yards, stone walls and landscaped grounds, with indoor exhibition spaces for orientation and reflection.