The town of Port Arthur is located 100 kilometres southeast of Hobart on Tasmania’s Tasman Peninsula, and it is as beautiful as it is tragic.
The town was first established as a small timber station, but it rapidly grew, and due to its remote, isolated location and abundance of resources, by 1830 it was a punishment station for convicts in the Australian colonies. More than 12,500 convicts served time inside the walls, under gruelling conditions.
The penitentiary had 136 cells on the bottom two floors that were reserved for the convicts that were dubbed ‘the lions’, because they were considered prisoners of bad character with heavy sentences. The men ate and slept in dismal conditions (Tasmania also gets incredibly cold) and also worked around the site and out on the peninsula.
Today this UNESCO World Heritage site is a sprawling outdoor space featuring more than 30 historic buildings and ruins including a church built by convicts and the ruins of the penitentiary.
There’s also a memorial garden dedicated to the 35 victims who tragically lost their lives in the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting. The notorious crazed gunman Martin Bryant is serving thirty-five life sentences (1,035 years) without the possibility of parole.
Exploring the World Heritage site
When you purchase a ticket to this incredible World Heritage site, you gain access to 40-hectares of history. Every ticket includes an introductory tour to give you a run-down on the site and its rich stories, and a 20-minute harbour cruise. As you travel along the water, you’ll spot the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer, where more than 3000 boys were imprisoned in Britain’s first purpose-built prison for children.
For brave travellers, the after-dark ghost tour is hugely popular. Documented ghost stories have been linked to Port Arthur since 1870, and knowledgable guides will share all the ghoulish details on a lantern-lit walking tour around the site. Many people have left with their own accounts of paranormal activity.
Port Arthur also offers many great places to refuel as you explore. 1830 Restaurant & Bar uses the best seasonal produce from growers and producers, paired with the finest Tasmanian wines, beers and spirits. At the Port Arthur Cafe, you’ll find crowd favourites such as sandwiches, pies, soups and cakes, as well as satisfying hot drinks.
If you’re left wanting more, visit the Coal Mines at nearby Saltwater River. It served as Tasmania’s first operational mine and a place of punishment for the “worst category” of felons. Entry to the Coal Mines Historic Site is free and visitors are encouraged to explore the self-guided walks and ruins of houses, barracks, offices and cells.
Both sites are an easy 90-minute drive from Hobart through the pretty Tasman Peninsula countryside.
Eat and drink in Port Arthur
The Tasman Peninsula, home to Port Arthur, is a spectacular destination for foodies and wine lovers.
McHenry Distillery is a secluded 100-acre property that houses five natural springs which produce some of the purest water in the world. Combined with the cold climate, these conditions are the perfect mix for delicious matured whisky. At the Port Arthur Cellar Door, you can enjoy a guided whisky and gin tasting and savour the flavour of each hand-crafted drop. Don’t forget to request a cheese board and indulge in a collection of Tasmania’s finest cheeses while you relax with friends.
For an experience like no other, Port Arthur Lavender is the place for you. The property stretches across nine hectares of lavender fields, rainforest and ocean frontage. Stop in at the eatery for lavender-inspired cuisine including fresh seafood, jams and chutneys. If you’re running low on time, a delicious range of ice cream, cakes and slices inspired by lavender are always available for takeaway. You can also embark on a self-guided tour through the property, stopping at the interactive displays to learn all about the lavender farming process.
Don’t miss out on the Bangor Vineyard Shed, a family-owned vineyard on the way into Port Arthur. The vines here are hand tended, resulting in award-winning cool climate wines. Bangor Vineyard is a cellar door, farm gate shop and restaurant in one – and specialises in local oysters.
Exploring Port Arthur and surrounds on foot
Port Arthur Historic Site is the start and finish point of one of Australia’s greatest walking tracks – The Three Capes Track. Think 48 cliff-hugging kilometres in Australia’s far south-east; four days and three nights taking in views that might include migratory whales, dolphins or fur seals. The coastline features spectacular beaches, blowholes and caves.
“We like to think there is enough in the region to keep people interested for a night or two,” says Impression Bay Distillery operator and tourism advocate Michael Moore, pointing to drawcards including coastal rock formations like Devil’s Kitchen, the Tasman Arch and the Tessellated Pavement.
For a close-up view of the coastline, visitors can take an eco-cruise to the tip of the peninsula. While on tour with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, you will explore waterfalls, deep sea caves, towering cliffs and archways. At most times of the year, you’re likely to spot gannets diving for fish, albatross and sea eagles soaring above, and clever dolphins swimming past the boat.
Animal lovers will also enjoy a visit to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna, where you can interact with these endangered critters and other Australian native animals. What’s different about this ‘unzoo’ is that the animals aren’t captive. Instead, visitors are invited to explore the animals’ natural habitats, with all cages and fences either removed or concealed. There are four habitat areas where you can meet Tasmanian Devils, including the Devil Den. Other opportunities include hand-feeding wallabies, kangaroos and pademelons, and wandering the two kilometres of natural trails.
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