Willow Court Asylum Tours

10/09/2026

A new chapter for Willow Court.

Today, Willow Court Asylum Tours was honoured to attend the official launch of the new interpretive signage across the Willow Court precinct and along The Avenue.

It’s wonderful to see these important stories being shared and the history of Willow Court being recognised and preserved for future generations.

We’re proud to be part of the ongoing story of this remarkable place and look forward to seeing visitors connect with its history in new ways.

Mayor Michelle Dracoulis
Derwent Valley Council

07/09/2026

🏛️ Meet the Storytellers Series 🏛️

Week 4 – Favourite Historical Fact

Question: Shakira, What's your favourite fact to tell guests?

Answer: "I love telling guests that the last convict transferred from Port Arthur to the asylum didn't pass away until 1938. When we think of convicts, we usually think of hundreds of years ago, not within living memory."

Did you know this?

04/09/2026

Changing Names - Changing Times

Did You Know?

Over its long history, Willow Court has been known by several different names.

As medical understanding and community attitudes evolved, so too did the language used to describe mental health care.

These changes remind us that history is constantly evolving, and that the words we choose today matter just as much as they did in the past.

Understanding history helps us appreciate how far we have become.

Who can tell us, how many names did this institution have prior to being named - Willow Court.

31/08/2026

🏛️ Meet the Storytellers Series 🏛️

Week 6 – Before Every Tour - Carissa

⏳ What do you do before every tour?

"I like to take a quiet walk through the grounds or buildings before guests arrive. It helps me get into the right mindset, appreciate the atmosphere of the site, and prepare to tell its stories”.

29/08/2026

REVIEWS LIKE THIS MEAN THE WORLD 🤍

There is nothing more rewarding than hearing that a visitor has walked away from Willow Court with a deeper connection to its history.

Every tour is an opportunity to share the stories of this remarkable site, its people, its past, and its important place in Tasmania’s history.

Thank you so much for these incredibly kind words Michelle. Knowing that the history, stories and details shared by one of our amazing tour guides - Shakira, has left a lasting impression, not only on the Willow Court site but Tasmanian history in general.

It’s Shakira’s passion for Willow Court that makes her storytelling so engaging, she brings the history and stories to life.

Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to share your experience.

24/08/2026

🏛️ Meet the Storytellers Series 🏛️

Week 5 – Before Every Tour - Shakira

⏳ What do you do before every tour?

“Before I start a tour I like to take a moment to put myself in the shoes of the people who experienced life at the asylum. Imagine for a second that I am walking in the same area that thousands of others walked before me, all people, all with completely different stories”.

Do you put yourself in histories shoes?

23/08/2026

Did You Know?

Willow Court holds an extraordinary place in Tasmania’s history. Established in 1827, it is recognised as Australia’s oldest continually operating institution, still on its original site.

Over almost two centuries, the site witnessed enormous changes in medicine, society and attitudes towards mental health. While some periods reflected the best understanding of the time, others remind us how much compassion and care have evolved.

Every brick, pathway and building tells part of that story.

When we walk these grounds today, we do so with respect for the thousands of people who lived and worked here.

📸: Depicts a sign once mounted on the Sentry at Willow Court. This sign was removed and its whereabouts is not known.

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

We had the pleasure of welcoming a wonderful group of students studying Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) to Willow Court for a special history tour today.

Hosted by our very own Shakira who is also a student in this class.

The history of Willow Court provides an important insight into the way people living with disability, mental illness and other support needs were treated and cared for throughout Tasmania’s past. For students entering the disability support sector, exploring this history offers valuable context and an opportunity to reflect on just how far attitudes, care and support practices have evolved.

It was wonderful to share the stories of the people who lived and worked at Willow Court and to connect this significant part of Tasmania’s history with the important work these students are preparing to undertake.

Thank you Foresite Care - RTO: 22227 for joining us at Willow Court Asylum Tours - we hope the experience provided plenty of insight, reflection and discussion.

17/08/2026

🏛️ Meet the Storytellers Series 🏛️

Week 4 – Why History Matters – Carissa

📖 What do you enjoy most about sharing Tasmania's history?

"There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing guests become genuinely engaged with the stories of Tasmania's past and leave with a deeper appreciation for a place they have just explored. History isn't just about dates and events, it's also about people and connection. I enjoy bringing those stories to life in a way that is memorable, thought-provoking and respectful."

Every tour is an opportunity to connect with the people, places and moments that have shaped Tasmania’s past. History isn’t just found in books — it lives within the buildings, the landscapes and the stories passed down through generations.

What is a piece of Tasmanian history that has surprised you the most?