| Port Arthur | |
Location: | 100 km southeast of Hobart at the end of the Arthur Highway |
Council: | Tasman |
Population: | 1593 |
Postcode: | 7182 (Tasman Peninsula) |
The historic site at Port Arthur is one of the most significant in Australia's convict heritage. This infamous chapter of history began in 1830 when 150 convicts started felling trees to erect the rough timber and bark huts that were the first form of buildings in the area. It was intended that Port ARthur would be a timber sawing station that would provide punishment for difficult prisoners.
In total 12 500 convicts passed through Port Arthur with the peak population of the town being 1200 convicts plus up to 1000 free people, including soldiers, officials and their families. Conditions for the convicts were extremely harsh, contrasting with the relatively easy lives of the officers and their families.
Port Arthur Historic Site has become a major tourist attraction with more than 30 buildings, ruins and sites available for inspection. Some of the highlights are the Guard Tower and Military Complex, the Model Prison, the Church, the Commandant's House and the Isle of the Dead - the settlement's burial place where nearly 2000 convicts and free people are buried.
As well as the historic site, the Tasman Peninsula is renowned for its scenery, bushwalks and beautiful coastline. Natural attractions include Remarkable Cave to the south of Port Arthur, and near Eaglehawk Neck (in convict times guarded by a line of chained dogs) are the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and Tessellated Pavement. Just one kilometre from the historic site is the Bush Mill Steam Railway & Settlement. Here it is possible to experience life in a timber camp at the turn of the century and enjoy a steam train ride.