Port Arthur
Port Arthur[1] is a small town and former penal settlement in Tasmania, the island state of Australia, about one and a half hours drive from the state capital Hobart. A magnificent site preserving a rich slice of the former British colony's rich convict heritage, Port Arthur is today an amazing assemblage of colonial ruins and restored buildings, set amid 40 hectares (100 acres) of English oaks and open space. At as Apr 2007 there is an entrance fee of $25AUD for adults.
Culture and History
Port Arthur was first established as a timber station in 1830, supporting the infant colony of Van Diemen's Land. It became the site of a major penal (prison) colony for male convicts from 1833, a place of secondary punishment for re-offenders, in the 19th century era of convict transportation to Van Diemen's Land (the former name of Tasmania). It very quickly gained a reputation as a "hell on earth". At its peak in the late 1840s, Port Arthur became a near self-sufficient settlement, driven by the labour of its tormented inmates. Ultimately, after a couple of decades of decline in the 1850s and 1860s, Port Arthur finally ended its days as a penal settlement in 1877.
In 1996 Port Arthur became the site of Australia's most deadly gun massacre when a single shooter opened fire on visitors, killing 35 people. Memorials to those who died can be found at the site.
Travel to Port_Arthur, visa requirements
Port Arthur is located about 100 km south-east of Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula. Motorists should allow at least 1.5 hours to enjoy the scenic drive along the Tasman and Arthur highways. It is recommended that you allow 4-6 hours, preferably an overnight stay to fully appreciate the Historic Site and the many visitor services on offer.
To enter the site bypassing the visitor centre, there is a small bush track near the second and third parking area, a little up form the lookout. The bushwalk down the slight slope will take about one minute and will take you directly into the site.
By car
Buses to Port_Arthur
By boat
Port Arthur can be accessed by boat on cruises and tours out of Hobart, returning by coach. http://www.portarthurcruises.com.au/
Get around
Having arrived at Port Arthur, most people view the ruins on foot.
A ferry can take you to the Isle of the Dead. Well worth it if you make one of the tours of the island.
For the less mobile traveller, Visitor Centre facilities allow for independent access, including the Café?, Restaurant, Gift Shop, Interpretation Gallery and Rest Rooms. The remainder of the Historic Site comprises a variety of areas, some of which provide independent access, and others which require assisted access. Disabled parking is provided adjacent to the Visitor Centre entry. A courtesy, 6 seat, electric buggy provides a regular drop off and pickup service around the site for disabled visitors. (Enquire on arrival, at the information counter, for times of operation).
Port_Arthur attractions and sightseeing
The grounds and ruins at Port Arthur are open from 8:30am until sunset. The Visitor Centre is open from 8:30am until the conclusion of Historic Ghost tours at night.
City tours
- Go on the Historic Ghost Tour [2] of Port Arthur. It is a fantastic experience and one not to be missed. The tours are 90 minutes long. Each night except 24th and 25th December, departing from the Visitor Centre. Adult $14.00, child $8.60, family $36.30. Bookings are essential. A steady nerve is recommended and tours are not cancelled for rain.
Learn
- Visiting Port Arthur will allow the traveler to gain an incredible insight into Australia's convict heritage
Shopping, Port_Arthur souvenirs
Good restaurants and cheap meals
- Felon's Restaurant [3]
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Contact
Stay safe
Cope
Get out
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