Historic comeback for heritage sites

AS restrictions ease, some of Tasmania’s popular historic sites have set a date for their reopening.

World Heritage listed Port Arthur and Cascades Female Factory historic sites will reopen with free entry for children and a complimentary twoyear ticket of leave pass for all sites from Friday, July 3.

Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority chief executive Stephen Large said they wanted to welcome Tasmanian families back to their sites, which was why they were opening in time for the school holidays and offering free entry for children.

"We recognise that the Port Arthur Historic Site is an iconic and national award-winning tourist attraction for Tasmania and an important economic driver for the Tasman Peninsula,” he said. “Our sites are also three of the 11 sites that make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, so we have an international obligation to share our sites with our community.

“During this crisis, safety has and will continue to be our primary concern. As we reopen our sites, our teams are taking every precaution to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our visitors, staff and community."

Heritage Minister Elise Archer said she was delighted that the sites would reopen after 105 days of closure.

The two sites will open from 10am to 4pm daily, subject to Public Health advice.

The Coal Mines Historic Site will reopen daily from Monday, June 15, with free entry.