The National Trust Tasmania is proud to announce that the award-winning Hobart Convict Penitentiary has been named the No. 1 ‘Top Attraction’ for both the South Pacific and Australia in Tripadvisor’s prestigious 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards.
The Best of the Best Awards celebrate travellers’ favourite destinations, experiences, restaurants and hotels, based on the reviews and ratings shared by visitors from around the world over the past 12 months. This honour places the Penitentiary in the top 1% of experiences globally — and firmly at the top of the list for attractions across Australia and the South Pacific.
“This is a true privilege, and one we don’t take lightly,” said Jim Ward, Manager of Southern Properties at the National Trust Tasmania. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see Tasmania making such a strong impact on the national and international stage. We’re deeply honoured by this recognition, but most of all, we’re proud of the dedicated volunteers who make it all possible.”
The Hobart Penitentiary offers more than a glimpse into the past — it’s a place where history lives and breathes. Through a powerful blend of contemporary digital interpretation and passionate, knowledgeable storytelling, visitors are transported into the lives and experiences of those who passed through the site’s underground tunnels, solitary cells, courtrooms, gallows, and, most recently, the moving Convict Memorial. The acclaimed ‘Unshackled’ experience is consistently described as one of the most emotional and memorable heritage experiences in Australia.
“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of this place,” Jim said. “They bring authenticity, care and meaning to every tour. This award belongs to them.”
The recognition comes at a time when experiential and cultural tourism is on the rise globally, with travellers seeking authentic, meaningful and immersive encounters. The Hobart Penitentiary stands out as a destination that meets — and exceeds — these expectations, offering a rare combination of historical depth, community spirit, and world-class storytelling.
“To be named No. 1 in the South Pacific — ahead of some of the most iconic attractions in the world — is truly special,” Jim added. “A heartfelt thank you to every visitor who took the time to leave a review. This achievement is yours as much as it is ours.”
Find out more:
Tripadvisor – Best of the Best Awards
Book a tour at the Hobart Penitentiary
Media Contact:
Jim Ward | Property Manager – South
E: j.ward@nationaltrusttas.org.au