Port Arthur v Alcatraz
 

Hi, we are passing through San Francisco in August and trying to decide whether to make room for Alcatraz in an already tight itinerary. I have been to Port Arthur in Tasmania. Just wondering if any Australians on this forum might have been to both Port Arthur and Alcatraz, and give me an idea of how they compare with each other. I've also been to Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks, NSW, as well as the old convict settlement in Norfolk Island, so any comparisons between any of these and Alcatraz would be helpful. Thanks in advance...

Incidentally, I do intend posting this question on the USA forum as well. But Aussies do a lot of travelling, and I thought I'd maybe find more Aussies who've visited both places, than an Americans who've visited both. Looking forward to any comments.

I'm a Yank and have been to Trial Bay, Port Arthur and Alcatraz . All very different, especially Alcatraz with its island location, more modern buildings (in use until the '60s I believe) and stunning views of the city, bay and iconic bridge - kinda like a prison on an island in Sydney Harbour. Not to be missed if you're visiting SFO, in my opinion.

I, too, have visited both Port Arthur and Alcatraz. They are very different experiences. Port Arthur is a large expanse with lots of different types of buildings to visit, sites such as Isle of the Dead and Point Puer and a really interesting and extensive museum. Basically, at Alcatraz, you just tour the prison but it is large and very interesting.

A thorough visit to Port Arthur really takes a full day. You can tour Alcatraz in 2 - 3 hours, including the ferry trip out to the island.

I haven't been to Alcatraz but my understanding is that you need to book weeks in advance if you want to visit. I could be wrong about that.

Been to both, loved Alcatraz. The tour guides are really great and the whole place is so interesting. Try and go. We booked tickets on line from memory. Our flight was delayed (internal USA flight) and we were running very late, from memory I rang them and it wasn't a problem to change the tour. Mind you this was in January so not so busy.

Thanks everyone. We have now booked our tour to Alcatraz. Looking forward to it!