Port Arthur Historic Site : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
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If you’re looking for a historic site to explore, look no further than Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania, Australia. Port Arthur Historic Site is an amazing location that is home to Australia’s most infamous 19th century convict site. At the site, you’ll learn about the site’s history, the thousands of convicts that arrived at the penal settlement, and the impact it had on Australia’s colonial history. In addition to its rich historical significance, Port Arthur Historic Site is also a beautiful destination for travelers. The area boasts lush gardens, dramatic coastal views, and numerous recreational activities. In this blog, we’ll cover interesting facts about Port Arthur Historic Site, provide you with helpful information about how to get there, and provide a guide for planning your own visit.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Port Arthur Historic Site
1. Port Arthur had its own newspaper – The Port Arthur Gazette began publication in 1845 and was one of the first newspapers in Tasmania. It was edited by Superintendent T. C. Lethbridge and published in the Convict’s Barracks.
2. The Port Arthur Historic Site was the home of Australia’s first model farm. Established in 1847, the model farm onsite was tasked with providing food for the inmates and was the first of its kind in Australia.
3. Port Arthur was also the home of the first abattoir in Australia, with fodder stored in an old lime-kiln.
4. In 1854, convict work began on the Connolly Cottage, which is still the oldest standing building at the Port Arthur Historic Site and can be seen in the main street.
5. During its 70 year history as a convict settlement, Port Arthur held 4,000 handpicked convicts, making it once the largest convict settlement in the Australian colonies
6. On its closure in 1877, the Port Arthur Historic Site was sold to a private landowner who created the homestead of a grand Georgian mansion, ‘The Grange’ in front of the old penitentiary between 1878 and 1879.
History & Information About Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur Historic Site is an open-air museum and former convict settlement in Tasmania, Australia. It is located on the Tasman Peninsula, south-east of Hobart. It was originally used during the 19th century as a penal colony for the British Empire.
The site is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (among 11 in Australia) and attracts approximately 250,000 visitors each year. The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of the best preserved convict sites in the world and contains over 30 historic buildings, ruins, and restored period homes, gardens, and artworks.
The settlement was established in 1830 as a British penal colony and was primarily used to house repeat offenders from the mainland. It was one of the harshest penal colonies in Australia and it was even referred to as a “hell on earth”. The conditions at the colony were so severe that the group of convicts that arrived in 1833 were popularly referred to as the “Forlorn Hope” as they were the worst of the worst.
The life of convicts at Port Arthur was harsh and labour intensive, which included picking oakum, grinding wheat, building roads and breakwaters, and crushing stones. There was also factory work, such as the tannery, the lace-making shop, and the blacksmith shop.
In 1877, the settlement was closed and most of the convicts were released. The abandoned settlement began to deteriorate and many of the buildings had to be demolished. In 1979, the Tasmanian government started restoring the site and in 1996 it was opened to the public.
Today, the Port Arthur Historic Site is managed and operated by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority and is open to visitors from around the world. The site is a major tourist attraction in Australia and is visited by over 250,000 people annually. Visitors can learn about the history of the colony through guided tours through the site, interactive displays, and audio-visual presentations. The site also features a large museum and several other attractions, such as the restored Penitentiary, the Separate Prison, and the Harbour.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Port Arthur Historic Site
Welcome to the historic and beautiful Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania. This site is one of Australia’s most significant convict heritage sites and offers visitors a unique insight into the history and lives of those who were sent to this remote location in the 19th century. Here you’ll find many attractions including spectacular natural landscapes, fascinating buildings, and a wealth of stories and artefacts from over a century ago.
Getting There:
Port Arthur Historic Site is located in the southeast corner of Tasmania. The nearest airport, Hobart International Airport, is located 40 minutes away. Buses and taxis are available for transportation between the airport and Port Arthur. Car hire is available if you wish to explore the area at your own pace.
Things to See and Do:
1. Take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site. Explore the vast, complex convict site that includes more than 30 historic buildings, gardens, and ruins. Tours typically include the Separate Prison, which was built as part of the 19th century convict system and is now a museum.
2. Visit the Carnarvon Bay for stunning views of the Tasman Sea and Mount Carmel. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore and take in the serene atmosphere of this historic area.
3. Take a tour of the Isle of the Dead. This 3-hour tour includes a guided visit of the cemetery and the eerie Point Puer Boys’ Prison.
4. Stroll along the dock and learn about the conditions that the convicts had to endure in the 19th century.
5. Learn about the history of Tasmania at the Port Arthur Visitor Centre and Museum.
6. Enjoy some of the amazing wildlife at the Tasman Peninsula. You may even catch a glimpse of the Tasmanian Devil or one of the many species of seabirds that come to the area to breed.
7. Visit the nearby coastline towns of Dunalley and Murdunna for a chance to experience the local culture, take part in water activities, and explore charming villages.
8. Explore the local shops in Port Arthur and find souvenirs and Tasmanian crafts. Taste some of the local produce and enjoy a meal in one of the local eateries.
Things to Keep in Mind:
1. All visitors must book tickets and have them checked to be able to enter the site.
2. It can get extremely cold in the area, so bring plenty of warm and waterproof clothing.
3. Parts of the ground may be uneven and slippery, so please wear comfortable footwear.
4. It’s best to plan your visit during the day for optimum viewing and exploration.
5. Respect the site and refrain from taking any artefacts with you.
We hope you have a wonderful time exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy the captivating history and beautiful landscapes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Arthur Historic Site
Q1. What is the Port Arthur Historic Site?
A1. The Port Arthur Historic Site is a former British penal colony located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia. It is now a popular tourist destination with Australian and international visitors and is a World Heritage listed site.
Q2. When was the Port Arthur Historic Site used as a penal colony?
A2. The site was in used as a penal colony from 1833 until 1877, when it was officially closed and its prisoners were transferred to other colonies.
Q3. What is there to see at the Port Arthur Historic Site?
A3. At the Port Arthur Historic Site, visitors can explore the original convict-built ruins and other monuments that provide insight into the lives of the people who lived and worked at the site. There are also guided tours, artefact displays, and a harbour cruise to experience.
Q4. Is the Port Arthur Historic Site open all year?
A4. Yes, the Port Arthur Historic Site is open all year round, although the operating hours vary depending on the season. Visitors should always check for the latest operating hours before planning their visit.