Port Arthur Information
Port Arthur in Tasmania is a former convict town settlement and officially Tasmania’s top tourist destination. Port Arthur was established in 1830 and has a population of about 600 people.
In 1930 Port Arthur started as a timber station and three years later in 1833 it became the destination for the hardest convicted British and Irish criminals. The site was used being isolated and surrounded by water. The punishment on the island was severe with corporal punishment such as floggings and lashes being a regular event.
The convicts at Port Arthur also included children who were caught stealing toys, which were detained separately on Point Puer a little south of main Port Arthur. Both Men and children were sentenced to a life of stone cutting and hard labour for the British colonialists to establish the area.
The Port Arthur prison officially closed in 1877 and there are rumours ghosts of convicts haunt the site. Apparently screams can still be heard from cells and rocking chairs can be seen moving.
The departure of the convicts meant that residents needed a new income stream so tourism rapidly developed and today Australia’s best history and secrets can be found here. The Port Arthur Museum is such an example where you can find plenty of artefacts, clothing, tools and exhibition displays.
Great tours to go on include the Isle of the Dead tour, Point Puer and the not to miss Historic Ghost Tour. The historic buildings will amaze you especially the convict built church, prison and guard tower.
After you have finished seeing the historic sites, why not go on a fishing charter with Personalised Sea Charters that specialize in groups of one to four persons. Game fishing, deep sea and reef fishing, bay fishing, seal colony tours and general charter are all catered for.
Port Arthur Tasmania information & tourist attractions are brought to you by W2A. Enjoy your holiday in Port Arthur Tasmania. For more info visit the Port Arthur visitor centre.
