Ross Female Factory Historic Site

The Ross Female Factory Historic Site, located just outside the picturesque township of Ross in Tasmania's Midlands, holds a significant place in Australia's convict history. Established in 1847, it served as a workhouse for female convicts, some of whom were accompanied by their children, until its closure in 1854. The site was adapted from an 1842 Road Gang Station built for male convicts. Today, it stands as the most archaeologically intact female convict site in Australia.

Visitors can explore the remains of the factory, including the foundations of the chapel, nurseries, workrooms, and solitary confinement cells. A rustic stone cottage at the entrance, which once housed the prison's overseer, now functions as a museum offering insights into the lives of female convicts in the mid-1800s. The museum provides informative displays that delve into the history and daily experiences of these women.

The Ross Female Factory was one of four such institutions established in Tasmania, alongside the Cascade Factory in South Hobart, the Launceston Factory, and the George Town Factory. While the Launceston Factory was demolished in the 1930s and the George Town Factory occupied a rented house for a short period, the Ross Female Factory remains a testament to the convict era.

The site is accessible via Bond and Portugal Streets in Ross, just off the Midlands Highway (A1) that runs between Hobart and Launceston. The Ross Heritage Trail passes by the site, offering visitors a broader historical context of the area. Public toilets are available in Church Street, opposite the Visitor Information Centre.

Please note that the site does not offer picnic tables, barbecue facilities, or playgrounds. Dogs are not permitted on the premises. Parking is available for visitors. For more information, refer to the Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania's official page on the Ross Female Factory Historic Site.