Cascades Female Factory, Historical prison compound in South Hobart, Australia.
Cascades Female Factory is a former prison compound in South Hobart with three surviving yards from the original five-yard complex, enclosed by stone walls. The restored buildings within the walled grounds display the layout and structure of this colonial labor facility.
The facility opened in 1828 as a workhouse and prison for female convicts in Van Diemen's Land and operated until 1856. It served as a major part of the colonial punishment system during Tasmania's early settlement.
The site reflects how female convicts experienced confinement and labor during colonial times, with the remaining structures showing the layout of their daily routines. The restored yards offer visitors a sense of what life looked like for those held here.
The site is easy to reach and accessible to visitors with varying mobility needs, with pathways throughout the grounds. Plan to spend about two to three hours to explore the yards and buildings thoroughly.
The site earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2010 as part of the Australian Convict Sites and stands as the only surviving female convict labor institution with physical evidence. This international recognition highlights its importance in global colonial history.
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