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Port Arthur Historic Site

The World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site contains over 30 buildings and extensive ruins. The listing reflects its importance to the story of forced migration and settlement of Australia. Primarily a penal settlement, Port Arthur also encompassed a wider community including military and civilian officers and their families. The preserved buildings and ruins tell the story of life in the early years of colonisation.

How To Get There and Parking

Located on the Tasman Peninsula, a 90-minute drive from Hobart, Port Arthur is an easy day trip. However, we chose to stay on the peninsula to see other attractions.

Several carparks at the end of the access road cater for cars and camper vans. During peak times additional room is available once the main ones are full, although there will be a slightly longer walk to the entrance.

Entry is by ticket only, but this includes a guided tour and boat trip. These are not compulsory, and you are able to walk at your own pace to explore the site if you want.

During our visit in June 2021 ticket cost was $40 per adult.

Port Arthur Historic Site

The Penitentiary

Originally built as a flour mill in 1845, insufficient water led to its conversion to a penitentiary in 1857. The current state of the building was caused by a bushfire which only left the masonry walls and barred windows.

Undertaken from 2012 to 2018, a conservation project has stabilised the building, while adding internal flooring and supports. There are Information boards detailing the operation of the building.

As you can see from the photos, it was a wet and rainy day, which added to the atmosphere of the site and its gloomy past.

The Penitentiary Port Arthur Historic Site — The Penitentiary

Inside The Penitentiary Port Arthur Historic Site — The Penitentiary

Guard Tower

The guard tower gives a great view over the rest of the site, particularly the law courts located next door. Looking like a European castle, the guard tower stands above the penitentiary which gave the guards a great view.

The Law Courts

Any convicts breaking the regulations governing the settlement were sentenced at the law courts. The façade is interesting with its windows and arches, despite its damaged interior.

Remains of the Low Courts — Remains of the Law Courts

Remains of the Low Courts Port Arthur Historic Site — Remains of the Law Courts

The Asylum

Built for the mental health care of convicts in the early 1860s, this building was later used as the town hall. Today it contains a display of artefacts found on site as well as prisoner uniforms.

Prisoner's Uniform on Display Inside The Asylum — The Asylum – Later the Town Hall

The Church Port Arthur Historic Site

With only the walls and tower intact, the church, which was built in 1837 is a reminder of the importance of religion in convict reform. Up to 1100 people would attend services here on Sundays. To allow multi-denominational services, the church was never consecrated.

What Did We Think?

We enjoyed our visit here, with the unpredictable Tasmanian weather adding to the atmosphere. Although we did not take the boat tour, our walk through the ruins was great, so don’t be put off by the weather. As one of Australia’s premier European historical sites it’s a must visit for anyone going to Tasmania.

To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

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Richmond Tasmania

Established as an important military staging post and convict station linking Hobart with Port Arthur, Richmond is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania. With over 50 historic buildings, most dating from the 1820s it’s a stark reminder of Tasmania’s convict past.

Located only 20 minutes from Hobart Airport, we chose to visit on our last day, because our flight didn’t leave until the afternoon. This gave us the morning to walk around and explore the village. First stop was the bakery, where we had a great breakfast and coffee.

Richmond Bridge

Built in 1825 to enable the military, police and convicts easier movement to Port Arthur the historic Richmond Bridge is the oldest bridge still in use in Australia. Parking nearby we must have been the first visitors for the day, because the local ducks gathered around us expecting food. Unfortunately for them, we did not come prepared to feed ducks.

Richmond Bridge
The Richmond Bridge

Richmond Gaol

Built in 1825, the gaol is the oldest in Australia and this well preserved site is interesting to walk around. With the interior s of the buildings still intact, it shows how the gaol operated until its closure in 1928.

Information boards in each room describe its function and how guards and convicts were treated. In one room, a mantrap used to catch escaped convicts shows how brutal the times were.