Louisas Walk (Live History!)

Louisa's Walk is a unique piece of strolling theatre which will take you into the heart, the soul and the spirit of an Irish convict woman's story - Louisa Ragan. This is live theatre performed in and around the Female Factory in South Hobart where Louisa was imprisoned.

As Louisa tells her story, you will be moved to both laughter and tears. You will learn of her arrest, conviction and transportation to Van Diemen's Land on a seven year sentence, in 1841, for stealing a loaf of bread.

You walk with the actors, Judith and Chris Cornish, in full costume, as they tell Louisa's story that starts in the gardens of Cascade Brewery, in South Hobart, along the Hobart Rivulet, the early source of the city's water, to the Female Factory where Louisa was imprisoned.

Louisa continues her moving story within the Factory's bleak walls. Very little remains of this old women's prison save the Matron's cottage, some excavations and the imposing sandstone walls. In 2010 it achieved World Heritage status. The talented actors bring the ruins to life with their dramatic skills and expertise and, at the very start, Louisa asks you to bring your imaginations!

There is a short interval where you are returned to the 21st century and invited to pose any questions. There is also the opportunity to browse the rest of the site and visit the on-site shop.

Around the Memorial erected by the National Council of Women Tasmania,the "Second Act" returns you to the 19th century. The actors walk you back to the top of the Cascades and tell you some interesting facts about the area including why it is called "The Cascades".

The story ends on a positive note, as you learn of her life after the Factory, her marriage and connection to the historic Cascade Brewery.

Louisa's Walk is a journey of 90 minutes. Umbrellas are provided to protect you from the sun or rain.

Photo-opportunities abound in this picturesque part of Hobart; the lovely Cascade Gardens are beautiful in any season, so bring your camera. You may be lucky enough to see the resident platypus in the Hobart Rivulet!

Enjoy lunch, either before or after the Walk, at the Cascade Brewery Visitor Centre where local beers and wines can be sampled together with excellent food. Then wander around the three acres of heritage gardens.

Rated as the number one activity in Hobart on the TripAdvisor site, Louisa's Walk is the Convict Drama of Hobart and should not be missed.

When: Daily at 2.p.m from September 1st to April 30th.
Daily at 11a.m from May 1st to August 31st

Where: Meet at the Cascade Brewery Building, Cascade Road, South Hobart.

Bookings at: livehistoryhobart.com.au or by Telephoning (03) 62 298959 or Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, telephone (03) 6229 8959.

Subscribe now - for news and reviews, our newsletter (optional), to join our forums, and more.

Enjoy exclusive experiences and benefits when you visit cellar doors, restaurants, provedores and more. Become a VisitVineyards.com Member today »

Browse