Are you a history buff? Immerse yourself in a part of Australian history and visit Tasmania's most famous convict settlement. Step back in time and explore a place where 12,500 convicts served time. Set on 40 hectares, this fascinating place is bursting with heritage and history, manicured gardens, beautiful buildings and much more. Go on a guided tour and uncover the local secrets.
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Nestled on the Tasman Peninsula in southern Tasmania, approximately 90 minutes from Hobart is a charming village and open-air museum. A place where convicts used to roam between 1830 and 1877. Today, the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is a must-do during your Tasmanian tour.
With a long history of hardship and punishment, the Port Arthur Historic Site has many stories to tell. It is an important place that tells Australia’s colonial history and is one of the country's most important heritage destinations. Between 1830 and 1877, convicts did iron work, bronze casting, leather work and ceramics. They also made bricks, small boats and ships for the colonial government.
There are many landmarks on the Historic Site such as The Church, Separate Prison and the Penitentiary which housed hundreds of convicts in dormitories and solitary cells. The area is also dotted with neat houses which were built for the settlement of soldiers and free settlers that arose around the prison.
Operating on the Tasman Peninsula from 1834 to 1848, Point Puer was the first British purpose-built reforming institution for male criminal children. The goal of the institution was to train the young convict boys to learn some type of useful trade. But also to reform them so that they would be useful citizens. More than 3000 boys passed through Point Puer during its operation. A visit here will bring light to what the child convicts went through during this period.
With more than 30 convict-built buildings and ruins, there are many attractions to discover at the Port Arthur site. A place where you can learn more about the early convict settlements in Australia. There are many tours available, with friendly and knowledgable guides, departing from Hobart. Your dedicated travel specialist will help you find a tour that suits you best.
More than 1000 convicts, military and civil officers, women and children, were buried at the Port Arthur site. The Isle of the Dead consists of two separate burial sections. In the southern end, you will find mostly unmarked graves from the convicts. The northern part was reserved for military burials and is marked by headstones. Take a guided walking tour of the island, explore this spooky area and hear stories from the past.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register for an online presentationWhile you are in this stunning region, be sure to explore Flinders Island. You can reach this untamed natural wonderland by a scenic flight across the Bass Strait from either Launceston, (35 minutes), or Hobart, Tasmania (60 minutes).
The McHenry Distillery is proudly Australia's southernmost whisky distillery. Here you can sample award-winning premium spirits including gin and vodka. If you are looking for something for family-friendly, pop by the lavender farm. Here, you can discover seven hectares of lavender and other Tasmanian wonders.
Discover Tasmania’s capital city and Australia’s second-oldest city, Hobart. Lying on the Derwent River, at the foot of the 1271-metre-high Mount Wellington, this charming Tasmanian destination is the gateway to Port Arthur and other spectacular sights. An ideal base to take a self-guided day tour or if you prefer, join a guided bus tour.
Approximately 97 kilometres southeast of Hobart, you will find Port Arthur. Without stopping, it takes approximately 90 minutes to reach via Arthur Highway. Are you taking a day trip from Hobart? Be sure to allow enough time to drive back before the sun goes down. The Port Arthur Historic Site is open seven days a week from 9 am until 5 pm (closed Christmas day).
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our extensive collection of hand-selected accommodations in Port Arthur and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
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We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
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