Port Arthur, Tasmania

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Today we went down to the south east corner of Tasmania to Port Arthur where in 1830 the British opened a prison for men who had become repeat offenders following their transportation to Australia. In 1840 we had 2000 prisoners there. Transportation ended in 1853. Its a stark reminder of our 19th century judicial system. But for all its sad history it is in a beautiful setting and later buildings were sold off and a township grew. In 1884 the name was changed to Carnarvon in an effort to wipe out the 'convict' stain. The site covers 100 acres so we did lots of walking and we learnt a great deal of history its my third visit snd I still have more to learn!
Yesterday we spent the day in Hobart. In the morning we went to Salamanca to the market this is 4 lines of stalls covering about a quarter of a mile. Its a great atmosphere with lots of live music as well as craft stalls, traditional market fayre and unusual gift ideas. Afterwards we went to the Museum to kearn about the "Tasmanian Tiger" not a tiger at all ...a type of striped wolf sent into extinction by European settlers. Also we heard about the Aboriginal ancestors...not a good day to be British, we were such arrogant settlers!
We ended yesterday with a tour of shops and a drive up to the top of Mount Wellington at 1271 metres the highest point around. It was blowing an absolute gale and we could hardly stand up in the wind but well worth it for the view...and the rainbow! We were impressed to read that Charles Darwin had actually climbed up when he came...we drove!

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[Kate & John]

Port Arthur
We have fond memories of Port Arthur- a moving place and so beautiful