The Cascades Female Factory is a historic site located just outside of Hobart. It was built in 1828, many convicts were housed there until the site closed in the early 1900s. Visitors can visit the site Monday to Friday, it is closed on public holidays.
The site's Historic Heritage Tour goes for one and a half hours, during that time visitors learn about the history of the site and the convicts, are shown the Matron's Cottage and Memorial Garden and also get to see the archaeological work being done at the location.
Another tour is the Morning Tea with the Matron Tour, it is important to book this tour before your visit.
The shop at the Female Factory sells Tasmania foods as well as books and CDs that cover the history of the site. Two books that are available that tell the stories of the female convicts are Footsteps and Voices: A historical look into the Cascades Female Factory and Convicts Lives: Women at Cascades Female Factory.
Recently the site gained National Heritage Site status.
The Female Factory is located at 16 Degraves Street, South Hobart, Tasmania. The historic Cascade Brewery site is located nearby. Getting to the Female Factory site from Hobart is easy, it is a short drive, buses stop nearby and there is a walking track to take from Hobart.
