Cruises from Port Arthur
Port Arthur, among the most significant convict era sites in the world, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage register. It is located about 60 km SE of the state capital Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula. It enjoys a temperate climate (13 to 22 deg.C.) with refreshingly cool southern air. The settlement started as a timber station but is best known for being the destination for British and Irish criminals who had re-offended after their arrival in Australia. Several magnificent sandstone structures, built by convicts working under hard labour conditions, are now restored. The mass graves on The Isle of the Dead also attracts visitors.Take time to experience the scenery, the stunning and almost deserted beaches, bush walking trails and sea cliffs of the area. The most famous destination is the Historic Site where visitors may take a guided tour to Point Puer, the site of the first boys' reformatory in the British Empire. Here they were given some basic education and taught trade skills. Another museum shows written records, tools, clothing and other curiosities from convict times.
Read moreA Convict Gallery has displays of the various trades undertaken by convicts, and a research room where visitors can search for their convict ancestors. Other points of interest include the Tasmanian Devil Park. The Devils are fed at 11am daily and other native animals and birds can be seen up close. See the Bush Mill, steam train, and the Remarkable Cave created by wave action. It remains a physical chronicle of a dramatic part of Australia's history. In total there are sixty buildings and picturesque landscapes that offer a challenging mix of both beauty and horror, making this site Tasmania's most popular tourist destination.
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