Port Arthur

The Penetentiary at Port Arthur
see all photos »

We liked Port Arthur so much that we returned the next day for more. Port Arthur is an infamous penal colony that operated from 1830. There are ruins and restored buildings, well kept grounds and very informative tour guides. We also took a boat trip across to the separate boy’s prison.

Aside from Port Arthur, the Tasman Peninsula’s coastline has many natural attractions – Devil’s Kitchen, Remarkable Cave, Tasman Arch. The Eaglehawk Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting the peninsula and Tassie mainland, was guarded by wild dogs to prevent convict escape. We also visited the Tassie Devil Park. We were surprised to learn that these ugly scavengers are following in the footsteps of the extinct Tassie Tiger. A facial cancer has already devastated the population of Devil’s and those on the peninsula are being isolated and closely protected.