Tasmania Travels - Port Arthur

Early morning departure on the Convict Trail self-drive route, for the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur, about 70 mins from Hobart. We stopped enroute at the Tessellated Pavement, a natural formation of what looks like neatly laid tiles on the shoreline. 

Crossing over the narrow strip of Eaglehawk Neck, we stopped at the Blowhole, Devil's Kitchen and Tasman Arch - all with stunning views of the windswept coastline. Pretty wildflowers bloomed amongst the hardy shrubbery. 

An eco boat popped into view under the arch, bobbing about in the rough waters of what looks like a fantastic coastal cruise. 

 

Arriving at Port Arthur around midday, we booked in for the next harbour cruise. 
The 25 minute ride was a great introduction to the site and gave a different perspective from the water. 



Views from the water were spectacular, as we cruised past the tiny Isle of the Dead, where convicts were buried in unmarked graves and military graves with tall headstones could be seen. 

Back on dry land, we walked around the historic site. Some buildings remain fairly intact, others were just facades, propped up by steel beams on the other side.

 

Remember the 3 nuns from Hobart? We saw them again! 

On the hour, church bells would peal, adding a poignant touch to the ambience of the place. The sun shone brightly in the cloudless blue sky. The convicts lives must have been a living hell and I imagine this place must have a different atmosphere on a cold winter's day. 

The site of the Port Arthur tragedy brought a tear to my eye, just thinking of that horrific day and the lives taken. We sat in silence by the reflection pool in the memorial garden and hugged our kids.

The weather played nice and we had a wonderful visit to Port Arthur. We missed seeing the Coal Mines Historic Site a little further down the road, but we had to leave something for next time...