Blogs from Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia, Oceania

The downside of a panoramic view is the sunrise hits you early. Doesn’t seem to bother Deaks! A quick continental breakfast at Lufra (is it complimentary? Not sure) and we are off to Port Arthur. Every drive down down here is a short drive, by Queensland standards, we are there in 20 minutes. And every drive on Tasman Peninsula is scenic. Always surrounded by water, beach, farm or forest.I must confess I didn’t know off Port Arthur before the mass shooting in 1996. And while the tragedy of the shooting hangs over the place, the historic purpose of the place is equally tragic and harsh.The old buildings - particularly the penitentiary and church - are beautiful. The stories of the prisoners, guards and commandants remind you of the grim and inhumane purpose of the place.Anyone living ... read more

We drove down to Port Arthur, and I for one was expecting a town with a historical settlement on the outskirts….as it happens the town is on the outskirts of the settlement, the town consisting of one bakery and one shop. After paying for our orientation tour and boat cruise, you are given a Port Arthur booklet and a playing card that corresponds to one of the former inmates. Mine, the Seven of Hearts, turned out to belong to George Hunt who was originally transported from London at an unknown age for the crime of stealing a handkerchief. The original punishment was transportation to Van Diemen’s Land, however if you re-offended whilst serving your sentence you were transferred to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, so chosen because the only way on or off was through ... read more