Port Arthur is a small town located on the Tasman Peninsula in southeastern Tasmania, Australia. The town is known for its dark and fascinating history as a penal colony during the 19th century. It is now a popular tourist destination, with visitors from around the world coming to explore the ruins and learn about the history of this once-notorious prison.
Origins of Port Arthur
The area around Port Arthur was first inhabited by the Pydairrerme people, an Indigenous Australian group, for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1800s, the British established a timber industry in the area, and a small settlement was established at Port Arthur in 1830 to house the workers.
However, in 1833, the settlement was repurposed as a penal colony for repeat offenders and those who had committed serious crimes. Port Arthur became a place of punishment, hard labor, and despair for thousands of convicts over the next few decades.
Life in Port Arthur
Life in Port Arthur was harsh and brutal. The convicts were forced to work long hours in the timber industry, quarrying, farming, and construction. They were subjected to physical punishment, including floggings and solitary confinement, for even minor infractions.
The prison was designed to be escape-proof, with the surrounding waters patrolled by armed guards and dogs. Despite this, there were several notable escape attempts, including the infamous 1834 escape of Martin Cash and two other convicts, who survived in the wilderness for months before being recaptured.
The Decline of Port Arthur
The prison population at Port Arthur began to decline in the 1850s as the British government shifted its focus away from transportation to the Australian colonies. The prison was officially closed in 1877, and the remaining prisoners were transferred to other facilities. The site was then used as a training center for the navy and as a tourist attraction.
Today, Port Arthur is a World Heritage-listed site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ruins of the prison, including the main penitentiary, guard tower, chapel, and cemetery. There are also several walking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and coastline.
In conclusion, Port Arthur is a dark and fascinating chapter in the history of Tasmania and Australia. The prison’s legacy as a place of punishment and despair is a reminder of the brutality and inhumanity of the penal system in the 19th century. Today, Port Arthur is a place of reflection and education, where visitors can learn about the past and reflect on the present.
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Port Arthur Historic Site on Saturday including Salamanca Market Gray Line Tasmania Review now Port Arthur Historic Site on Saturday including Salamanca Market USD 105.07. This full day tour from Hobart has been designed to allow as much time as possible to explore Port Arthur on a Saturday without missing out on the iconic Salamanca Market. Spend the morning wandering through the numerous stalls of art, craft, fresh produce and gourmet food at Salamanca Market before joining the coach tour to Port Arthur Historic Site. From here, enjoy a personalised tour with live commentary. Formerly a convict site, Port Arthur is bursting with history and today boasts a landscape of natural beauty, scenic ruins…
Full Day Tour of Port Arthur Tasman Peninsula & Richmond Review now Full Day Tour of Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula & Richmond AUD 137. Take in the sights and absorb the history on this full day tour to Port Arthur and Richmond. Experience the dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula on your way to exploring the ruins and preserved buildings of the Port Arthur Historic Site, then walk the streets of the historic town of Richmond.. Review the Full Day Tour of Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula & Richmond direct from .
Port Arthur roundtrip bus service from Hobart with entry ticket Musement Review now Port Arthur roundtrip bus service from Hobart with entry ticket USD 139. Depart from Hobart and visit the historic Port Arthur site at your own pace with this round trip transfer service and enjoy full access to Port Arthur Historic Site.. Review the Port Arthur roundtrip bus service from Hobart with entry ticket direct from Musement.
Port Arthur Historic Site 2 Day Pass Sites Review now Port Arthur Historic Site 2-Day Pass USD 32.49. With a 2-day pass for Tasmania’s Port Arthur Historic Site, you can explore this former convict colony, located on the Tasman Peninsula and part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Australian Convict Sites, with the flexibility and time to make the most of your visit. Included are a self-guided audio tour, daily site talks, access to the 30-plus ruins and historical buildings, a cruise on the harbor, and a visitor guide with a map. Follow the Convict Water Supply Trail, learn what life was like as a prisoner, and see where officers lived..…
Full Day Port Arthur Historic Site Tour and Admission Ticket Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Review now Full-Day Port Arthur Historic Site Tour and Admission Ticket USD 68.43. Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World-heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site.The timing of our bus means you'll have nearly 7 hours to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site at your leisure. Your site entry ticket includes a guided introductory walking tour and a harbour cruise, as well as entry into the site's many historic buildings.. Review the Full-Day Port Arthur Historic Site Tour and Admission Ticket direct from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.
Port Arthur to Hobart One Way Bus Transfer Review now From Port Arthur to Hobart One Way Bus Transfer. Travel on the afternoon bus transfer from Port Arthur to Hobart. Departs Port Arthur Historic Site at 4.45pm daily. Arrives in Hobart at 6.15. Review the One way bus transfer from Port Arthur to Hobart direct from Musement.
Port Arthur Full day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park Review now Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park USD 102.83. Take the day to fully explore Port Arthur with a guided tour of all the history of this former convict site, followed by a cruise. You’ll see the ruins and restored buildings, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Tasman National Park on this day out. When finished exploring the port, you can hop aboard your vessel, and sit back and relax as you make your way to visit the Isle of the Dead.. Review the Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman…
Port Arthur Historic Site Entry Ticket Review now Port Arthur Historic Site Entry Ticket USD 31.1. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site brings Australia’s early convict history to life. Site entry tickets are valid for two consecutive days and include a guided walking tour, harbor cruise, and access to historic ruins.. Review the Port Arthur Historic Site Entry Ticket direct from GetYourGuide.
Port Arthur Tour & Cruise Day Trip from Hobart Review now Port Arthur Tour & Cruise Day Trip from Hobart USD 89.34. Learn about Tasmania’s ruthless convict past at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, and experience the beautiful coastline of the Tasman Peninsula along the way.. Review the Port Arthur Tour & Cruise Day Trip from Hobart direct from GetYourGuide.
Tasman Peninsula Tour Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site Review now Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site USD 185.3. Join the ultimate Tasman Peninsula day tour from Hobart that includes a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy a return guided bus tour from Hobart, an award-winning wilderness cruise, morning tea, and lunch.. Review the Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site direct from GetYourGuide.
Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sights Tour Review now Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sights Tour USD 50.96. Explore the rich history of the Port Arthur Historic Site, gaze in awe at the spectacular scenery of the Tasman Peninsula, and taste exquisite hand-forged chocolates and lavender-based produce.. Review the Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sights Tour direct from GetYourGuide.
Port Arthur and Lavender Farm Full Day Tour Review now Port Arthur and Lavender Farm Full Day Tour AUD 140. Stretch your legs for a day of exploration on the Tasman Peninsula! Visit the Port Arthur Historic site and enjoy a guided walking tour, wander among the lavender fields, indulge in delicious chocolate tastings and soak up the stunning sights and scenery along the way.. Review the Port Arthur and Lavender Farm Full Day Tour direct from .
