Port Arthur

On the scenic Tasman Peninsula south-east of Hobart, Port Arthur is the nation’s most significant historic site. It was established in 1830 as a place of punishment for secondary offenders in the colony’s growing convict population, and operated until 1877. Port Arthur soon gained a reputation as ‘hell on Earth’ for the severity of its penal regime. Today, every building, every ruin and every feature of Port Arthur Historic Site has a story to tell. Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, heritage gardens and chilling prison facilities survive for you to explore. The interpretive centre provides a fascinating introduction to visitors through the interactive ‘lottery of life’.Situated just 2½ hours from Hobart by road, the Port Arthur Historic Site is an amazing day trip back into Tasmania’s history.