History of Port Arthur

Just 60 kilometres south of Hobart, you will come across the best-preserved convict site in the whole of Australia. Separated by only a narrow strip of land named Eagle Hawk Neck, this site was once the location of one of the world’s most notoriously tough prison that was in operation for 47 years. Nowadays, the area is a small quiet village with beautiful and dramatic landscapes which is ironic given its turbulent and violent history. The historical village is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is visited today by tourists worldwide who come to learn its history and stay for the calming scenery.

The area of Port Arthur began as a timber station in 1830, though its humble beginnings didn’t last long. Prisoners from Britain came to the colony after committing a crime, as there was no longer any room in their home country prisons. Subjected to the British penal system, any crime from stealing a loaf of bread up to conducting horrendous atrocities could land you in the convict settlement who saw the hardest of criminals intermixed with first time petty offenders. The prison itself was notoriously tough and the commanders believed that physical punishment was the only way to reform prisoners.

Several prison wings were interconnected, with men and women mixed at the beginning until they realise that separation of gender and age were needed. Slave labour was conducted mostly on farms, with the prison working on a food rewards system. Items such as tea and tobacco were considered luxury items that the prisoners had to work for.

The Separate Prison on site is said to be one of the most haunted locations in Australia due to its dark history. Men who first entered the prison system or had reoffended whilst incarcerated were sent to solitary confinement, with absolutely no communication whatsoever. If the prisoners had a life sentence, this period could last for up to 12 months. The result of this led to the near for an asylum to be built to accommodate the prisoners who had fallen mentally ill during the stay here.

Today, Porth Arthur is one of Australia’s leading tourist attractions, managed by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority. With over 30 buildings and ruins to explore. A range of tours are available including a paranormal investigation package, Isle of the Dead tour and Point Puer, a prison for young boys. After its closure in 1877, many of the buildings were demolished however the area is still quite large so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

If you’re travelling with young children, there are many activities that will leave them full of knowledge and excitement. Museum walkthroughs, interactive sensory tables and a sheet that teaches them about the lives of real convicts ensures that there is something for the whole family to enjoy and learn at Port Arthur.

The best way to visit is by tour bus, as they will usually make a few other scenic stops along the way and allow you to spend a good portion of the day at Port Arthur until you’re whisked away on the comfort of the tour bus back to Hobart.

Price: $130

Tour Company: Sightseeing Tours Australia