A TASTE OF TASMANIA – Port Arthur

The Australian Heritage destination of Port Arthur has a long history – one of punishment and hardship; cultural significance and tourism; and is now one of 11 places that make up the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict sites. Today, Port Arthur is an outdoor site, and open air classroom, spanning 100 acres, with over 30 buildings and ruins to explore. A great location to visit in the south east of Tasmania.

Van Diemen’s Land

Over 70,000 men, women and children were transported to the penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land in the early 1800s, and there are a lot of buildings from those times still standing today. The Penitentiary at Port Arthur was originally constructed as a flour mill, before it became solitary cells and dormitories which housed hundreds of convicts. It was believed that prisoners could be reformed through trade training, psychological punishment and religion. Located on a peninsula, the prison was thought to be inescapable due to surrounding water and guard dogs at Eaglehawk Neck. Ship building was introduced to Port Arthur in 1834, which provided a way for selected convicts to gain a useful skill – important once freed.

Fortescue Bay Campground – Tasman National Park

Popular all year round, and located 20km from Port Arthur, this beautiful area boasts towering forests that meet the sea. With so much on offer, you’ll be wanting to spend time swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking, fishing or kayaking. The wide sandy beach allows the ocean to continually roll waves in to shore, and the campground offers shady campsites, and amenities, and is suitable for campers, motorhomes and tents. Check out websites for more info.