Press release - Austravel

The recent addition of 11 Australian convict sites to UNESCO’s World Heritage list will help boost tourism and dispel the myth that Australia is lacking in history, according to Australasia expert, Austravel.

“Australia has a unique heritage and plenty to offer visitors who want a cultural experience from their holiday as well as enjoying the beaches and landscapes,” says Ben Briggs, Austravel’s Brand Manager.

“The convict sites are a major part of Australia’s story and it’s great to know that the sites will be protected for future generations.”

The 11 penal sites, which brings the number of UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Australia to three and the total number of protected sites to 18, are located in Tasmania, Sydney, Fremantle and Norfolk Island.

Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when they housed thousands of convicts sent from the UK to help build the colony, each offers a fascinating snapshot of an intriguing time in history. Step back in time and visit some of the sites yourself with one of these self-drive tours from Austravel:

Tasmania:
Visit the five sites in Tasmania - The Cascades Female Factory in Hobart; The Port Arthur Historic Site; The Coal Mines Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula; the Brickendon and Woolmers Estates near Longford; and Darlington Probation Station on Maria Island - on Austravel’s nine-night holiday from just £1795 per person*. The price includes three nights’ accommodation in Hobart, two nights in Freycinet and two nights in Launceston, a guided tour of Port Arthur and Richmond, home to another original gaol. Prices also include five days’ car hire and return flights from London to Hobart, via Sydney. To book, visit www.austravel.com or phone 0800 988 4834.

New South Wales
Visit the four sites in and around Sydney, New South Wales - Government House and Domain, Hyde Park Barracks, Cockatoo Island Convict Site and Old Great North Road – from just £1295 per person*. The price includes seven nights’ accommodation – including two nights in Parramatta, location of the Old Government House – five days’ car hire and return flights from London to Sydney. To book, visit www.austravel.com or phone 0800 988 4834.

Western Australia
Base yourself in the compact, cosmopolitan city of Perth and pay a visit to the fascinating Fremantle Prison, located in the historic port town of the same name. Austravel offers a seven-night holiday to Perth from just £1345 per person*. The price includes accommodation, six days car hire and return flights from London to Perth. To book, visit www.austravel.com or phone 0800 988 4834.

*Prices are based on November departures and are subject to availability.