Growing up in Australia, one of the main subjects of our history classes were convicts. Nearly all of the Australian state capitals were firstly settled by Europeans as convict penal settlements, the destination for criminals sent from England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It's hard to understand the reasoning behind this decision these days (at the time it was a six month plus voyage!) Regardless, it led to the colonisation of Australia by Britain, and many white inhabitants of the country (myself included) can trace their roots to convicts.

Due to the number of convict settlements scattered around the country, it's only fitting that the locations for this WHS are also scattered around the country. After visiting the majority of the 11 locations, these are my thoughts:

Hyde Park Barracks: One of the easiest sites to visit, this site is centrally located in Sydney and just a short walk from the separately listed Sydney Opera House WHS. This grand building was one of the earliest permanent buildings constructed in the colony and was where my great great great grandfather firstly stayed on his arrival. I've visited multiple times. The new immersive experience is a little glitchy, but currently free (usually ticketed). 

Cockatoo Island: If visiting Sydney, this island located in the harbour is also relatively easy to visit, just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, next to the Opera House. Just be warned the ferries aren't that frequent and stop rather early - especially if you want to continue on to Parramatta! I've visited in the past for art and music festivals, but on our most recent re-visit I hired the paid audio guide, although there's also plenty of signs. Just one part is convict related, but the shipyards are also intriguing. Entry is free. 

Old Government House and Domain: Don't get this location in Parramatta, a 30 minute train ride (or up to 90 minute ferry ride) west of the city mixed up with the current Government House in the city. These days called Parramatta Park, the Old Government House is the most interesting part of the location. It's open multiple days per week with ticketed entry. At the far end of the park, there are infrequent paid tours of The Dairy. The tentative Old Female Factory site is just across the river from this part of the park.

Old Great North Road: The final location on the outskirts of Sydney is only accessible by car, taking the ferry across at Wiseman's Ferry. Turn left after the ferry and park for the Old Great North Road. You can walk up to a 9km loop, a great bush walk, but I've also just walked the first section of the walk, where the most visible remnants of the old convict-constructed road remain.

Port Arthur Historic Site: Out of the locations that I've visited, I'd pick this as the most outstanding location. Port Arthur was a self-contained penal colony in Tasmania and is arguably the best preserved convict remains in Australia. It's about an 80 minute drive from Hobart and can be visited as a day trip, but I recommend an overnight stay for a more in-depth visit. Tickets are valid for two days, but one long day is a good amount of time.  

Coal Mines Historic Site: If staying overnight at Port Arthur, you'll also have time to visit the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site. While not as interesting as Port Arthur, this site still has some atmospheric remains and you'll generally have it to yourself. Entry is free. 

Darlington Probation Station: This location is located on Maria Island, off the east coast of Tasmania, to the north of Port Arthur. I still haven't visited this location. (Keep an eye out for the wombats, as well as the historic remains!)

Brickendon and Woolmers Estates: Both of these sites are located in northern Tasmania, almost adjacent to each other. They are examples of the kinds of farm estates where convicts were sent to work, so the convict aspect isn't as central. We only had time to visit Woolmers Estate, with a guided tour of the house. While interesting, it doesn't give as great an insight as Port Arthur.

Cascades Female Factory: Back in Hobart, we only visited the exterior of this site, arriving after it had closed for the day. Not much remains of the building, but I've heard the audio guided tour is great.

Fremantle Prison: The only location in Western Australia, this former prison is located in the port city of Fremantle. We only visited the exterior and the free exhibits inside, as we were with our dog (who wasn't allowed in). Make sure you select the Convict Prison Tour, as other tours focus on the more recent history - it was still used as a prison up until 1991, despite the 19th-century conditions! 

Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area: This location is on Norfolk Island, an Australian territory a few hours flight off the east coast, which I still haven't visited. 

If you're just wanting to visit one location, probably the best option is Port Arthur in Tasmania. Tasmania is also the location of the impressive Tasmanian Wilderness WHS. While in Tasmania, it's easy to also visit a few other locations on the island.

The other main option is to visit this site in Sydney, at the same time as visiting the Sydney Opera House and the Blue Mountains WHSs. The easiest option is Hyde Park Barracks, but it's also fairly easy to visit Cockatoo Island or Old Government House in Parramatta.