Port Arthur, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Nov 18th, 2002
CLICK HERE to view our pictorial history of Port Arthur.
One hundred and sixty years ago this place was the end of the line for many of Englands convicts. The worst behaved were sent to Port Arthur as punishment.
Today Port Arthur and the sailing conditions are both a lot more comfortable, but interested tourists can still follow the same route.
In the two hour journey from Hobart to Port Arthur the cruise glides past the areas oldest lighthouse, built by the convicts, and some of Australias biggest sea cliffs.
Tasmanias wilderness is second to none and animal lovers will be captivated by the Australian fur seals that populate the area.
While the convicts remained largely below deck on their voyage, todays passengers are free to go above deck and watch the Southern Right Whales. The Southern Rights pass through in winter, spring and early summer.
Today Port Arthur is one of Tasmanias most popular attractions, which stands in stark contrast to the days when it was one of the most feared places on Earth.
Port Arthur has an important place in Australian history - 12,500 convicts did their time here and one in seven died as a result of the chain gangs, whippings and hangings. For a long time Port Arthur become known as Hell on Earth.
In the 1850s the lash was banned and mental disintegration came in. This inhumane process involved complete silence, the wearing of hoods where only the eyes were left showing and solitary confinement. After a while a chapel was built to remove the convict stain. The convicts loved the opportunity to sing, dance and make noise.
Today, a lot of people are proud of their convict past. Families can even look up names on Port Arthurs Isle of the Dead.
In 1996 a new chapter was added to the story of Port Arthur. Since then a memorial to all the Port Arthur victims has been built.
The facts:
QantasLink has connections to Hobart from all capital cities. Prices start from $243 from Melbourne and $730 from Perth. Prices include charges/ taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
The Hobart-Port Arthur trip with Port Arthur Cruises costs $120 for adults and $85 for children including a return coach tour.
Port Arthur Cruises
Tel: 1300 134 561
The Cascades Colonial Accommodation just out of town provides unique accommodation.
Cascades Colonial Accommodation
Tel: 03 6250 3873
The convict-era officers housing has been turned into private cottages, which cost from $132 per double per night.
Entry to the Port Arthur Historic Site costs $22 and this price includes a guided tour around one of the best-preserved convict settlements in the country.
Port Arthur
Tel: 1800 659 101
CLICK HERE to view our pictorial history of Port Arthur.
