Port Arthur, a convict's nightmare...Port Arthur is easily Tasmania's premier tourist attraction, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia, and you really shouldn’t visit the state without going there to see for yourself. The town is just a 90 minute drive from Hobart, but visitors are well advised to stay overnight on the peninsula. Both quality accommodation and camping facilities are available. 
Between 1830 and 1877 about 12,500 transported convicts were imprisoned at Port Arthur, on the shores of a beautiful bay and set against the tranquil hills and forests of the Tasman Peninsula. Many of the sandstone prison buildings remain and have been preserved. Archaeologists and historians have pieced together the history of the prison and the sad story is told in an excellent display in the visitors’ centre. One of Australia's great tourism destinations, every building and every feature of this Historic Site has a story to tell. Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities survive today for you to explore. Guides interact with visitors, and although there are static displays, visitors are encouraged to explore various features of the ruins, helping to give them a sense of what life was like in this 19th century prison. The Tasman Region is, however, much more than just an historic penal colony. The region represents an amazing combination of history, heritage, magnificent scenery,
fine food and wine,
plus a range of fascinating
attractions and activities.
There’s so much to do you should allow yourselves at least two days in the region. As you wander through the preserved ruins, faithfully restored buildings and lovingly recreated gardens of the the Historic Site you can almost feel the convict history come alive. This is only the beginning of all the excitement and adventure waiting for visitors to the region. The stark reminders of the convict past contrast dramatically with the Historic Site’s serene and most beautiful surroundings. The scenery is breathtaking and includes beautiful bushland, soaring cliffs, vast caves, wonderful beaches and stunning geological formations. You can explore the area by boat charter, discover the Tasman National Park, go rock climbing, stroll the beach or try sea kayaking or diving, and these are just some of the options. 
Other attractions include a cruise to the “Isle of the Dead”, where all the convicts, soldiers and others are buried, museums, a wildlife park and a golf course. All great entertainment to ensure that every taste is catered for. There are day and evening guided tours of the historic site giving you an impression of what life might have been like in the 1800s for the convicts, soldiers and civilians. One in seven convicts at Port Arthur died there. An evening ghost tour through the Port Arthur Historic Site is an experience not to be missed. Departing at dusk from the Visitor Centre, your experienced Ghost Tour guide will lead you on a lantern lit walk of Port Arthur’s ruins and historic buildings. You’ll hear vivid stories of strange sightings and occurrences documented at the Site from the convict era until the present day.
The 90-minute tour covers a distance of two kilometres, 60 per cent of which is wheelchair accessible. The tours depart every evening except Christmas night, are not cancelled for rain and, for safety reasons, umbrellas are not permitted. The ghost tours are not suitable for young children. Bring along a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes and steady nerves. Make the most of your visit by staying overnight in any of the great accommodation choices in the region. The penitentiary can be toured, as can the model prison, where convicts were forbidden to talk or set eyes upon each other. The ruins of the church are also in the Port Arthur Historic Site. During the day, many visitors stop at the Tasmanian Devil Park in nearby Taranna where the Devils are fed at 11 am daily, and other native animals and birds, wombats, quolls, eagles can be seen up close. 
The Bush Mill is another popular stop, with its historic timber mill, settlement displays, and steam railway. To the south of Port Arthur is Remarkable Cave, created by wave action, and the start of a four to five hour return walk to Crescent Bay. If walking really is your thing then the Port Arthur Region’s inspiring landscape offers some of Australia’s best coastal walking.
There is something for everyone, from an easy stroll to a 2-4 day walk. You might like to try some of these: Devils Kitchen - Waterfall Bay, 1-2 hours return Waterfall Bay - Camp Falls, 1.5 hours return Cape Hauy, 4-5 hours return Cape Raoul, 5 hours return Ship Stern Bluff, 5 hours return Mt Brown & Crescent Bay, 4-6 hours return Tasman coastal track, 6-8 hours one way Cape Pillar, 2-3 days return Whether you have one week or two days in the Port Arthur Region, you can make the most of your stay by using a travel planner to organise your time efficiently. You can contact the Tasmanian Travel Centre or the Port Arthur Information and Booking Office for further information to help you plan your stay. The Port Arthur Historic Site truly is Australia’s premier historic site. The visitor centre is a world class complex. The Interpretation Gallery brings the convict era to life. 
Play the Lottery of Life and identify with the life of an actual convict, a great interactive experience for all ages. The visitor centre houses a large gift shop, café and at night a first class restaurant. Visit the Tasman National Park and find soaring cliffs, sandy beaches, dense forests, brilliant wildflowers, abundant wildlife, cascading waterfalls and a strange underwater world. It is incredibly diverse and beautiful region yet it’s also very easy to access. Port Arthur, convict's nightmare.....visitor's delight,...enjoy, John. Discount Shopping | Discount Travel | Special Travel Deals | Discount Attractions Our RSS feed will be updated periodically with all the latest travel deals and special offers. Please subscribe by clicking the button to the left (XML/RSS) to receive notice of these updates without any risk or obligation. PLEASE NOTE: If you don't know what an RSS feed is just click this link. Click here to return from Port Arthur to The Discount Travel Guide home page. |
