| Welcome to Port Arthur, a city where history seems | | | | vegetation and rugged landscapes. High cliffs, |
| to seep out of the walls and rise out of the floors of | | | | beautiful ocean views and stunning geological |
| the ancient buildings. Initially a penal settlement, Port | | | | formations contrast with the dark convict history, |
| Arthur was largely built by the prison labour force. | | | | providing a depth to the appeal of the region that |
| The convict heritage is ever present in this city, from | | | | intrigues visitors. the power of the sea is evident |
| the beautifully preserved buildings built by the | | | | along the battered coastline, and this makes for |
| prisoners to the masses of graves of the captive | | | | some breathtaking scenery. Just six kilometres from |
| men and women. It is this rich heritage together with | | | | the Historic Site is the Remarkable Cave, an amazing |
| the beauty of the region that has made Port Arthur | | | | cavity in the coastal rock into which the waves crash |
| Tasmania's premier tourist destination. A historically | | | | and echo in a mesmerising fashion. There are other |
| significant tribute to the early settlers of Australia, it | | | | examples of the sculpted coastline nearby, and there |
| will draw you in and transport you back to the early | | | | is a four or five hour walk that starts at the cave |
| days of our nation, chilling and intriguing you along the | | | | and goes to Crescent Bay along which you can see |
| way. | | | | more of these features. |
| The biggest attraction here, and one that has been | | | | The alluring landscapes of the Tasman Peninsula, |
| pulling in visitors since the early 1900's, is the Port | | | | which is registered on the National Estate, provide a |
| Arthur Historic Site. The site has been preserved as a | | | | wealth of activities for visitors to choose from. |
| cultural relic, a vestige to our convict past that was | | | | There are safe swimming beaches for a relaxing day |
| so cruel yet so crucial to the emergence of Australia. | | | | with the family, but there are also beaches with |
| Over thirty ruins and old buildings are set in forty | | | | roaring surf conditions that will keep the adrenaline |
| hectares of rolling green gardens, around which you | | | | junkies happy. If taking to the water is really your |
| can take informative guided tours, or simply wander | | | | thing then you can hire sea kayaks and explore the |
| them at your own leisure. The penitentiary is the | | | | white beaches and the rocky inlets of the coast |
| largest and most imposing ruin, but the separate | | | | whilst paddling around. There are thirty five |
| prison, where prisoners were punished with solitary | | | | designated walks in the area that will transport you |
| confinement, is easily the most chilling. You can also | | | | through the changing features of the region, from |
| walk through the commandants residence, the | | | | rolling sand dunes to steep, rocky cliffs. Some of the |
| church, the hospital and the dockyards, and visit the | | | | walks are gentle strolls, others are more gruelling and |
| museum which is located in the old asylum. | | | | may take a day or two, so be sure to plan |
| When night falls there is no better way to enhance | | | | beforehand where you wish to walk to and how long |
| your historical convict experience than to take a | | | | it is going to take. Horse back rides are available and |
| historic ghost tour through the site. The buildings and | | | | are an excellent way to see the countryside at a |
| surrounds take on an ominous feel in the dark, and | | | | leisurely pace. Fishing is also a popular pastime of |
| the story telling from the guide as you wander | | | | locals and visitors. Many people camp on the shores |
| through the jail and the church is guaranteed to chill | | | | of Fortescue Bay, where the smooth waters are |
| you to the core. While you may not see any ghosts, | | | | home to different varieties of fish, and where it is |
| the forbidding and gloomy air of the Historic Site at | | | | also safe to swim and paddle around. This is one of |
| night is sure to raise a few hairs and provide you | | | | the most popular spots in the region, so don't expect |
| with some spooky memories! These tours are limited | | | | to be alone. |
| in size and are very popular, so be sure to book in | | | | Its a very inspiring holiday destination, Port Arthur. It |
| advance. Another chilling journey to the past is a tour | | | | urges you to think about history, and has the effect |
| to the Isle of the Dead, a small island situated just | | | | of reconnecting you with the traces of our past and |
| off shore. Over 1100 convicts and free men were | | | | making you more appreciative of the present. |
| buried on this island in the mid 1800's, and a tour of | | | | Intriguing and captivating, a holiday here will entertain |
| the headstones is a fascinating and morbid insight into | | | | and educate you and your family. A hirecar will give |
| history. | | | | you the freedom you need to explore the Peninsula |
| It is not only the heritage of Port Arthur that makes | | | | fully, and discover all the secrets its been storing |
| it a great place to visit. Located on the spectacular | | | | over the generations. |
| Tasman Peninsula, it is surrounded by thick rainforest | | | | |