"Visit Port Arthur" Port Arthur by Henk.Irene

Port Arthur Travel Guide: 58 reviews and 166 photos

For visitor information see Webside http://www.portarthur.org.au/
Your day entry pass is valid for two consecutive days.

The Pyderrairme people were the traditional owners of this area. Port Arthur penal station was established in 1830 as a timber-getting camp. After 1833 it became a punishment station for repeat offenders from all the Australian colonies. When the probation system was introduced in 1841, many convicts were sent to outstations around the Peninsula to work in timber-getting and agriculture. Transportation of convicts ended in 1853 and Port Arthur began to enter it welfare phase. Ingreasingly it housed the wreckage of the convict system, men too physically or mentally disabled to look after themselves. The penal settlement finally closed in 1877. Many of the settlement's buildings were pulled down or gutted by fire. Tourists began immediately the settlement was closed.

What you see this two days is only a fraction of what was once here.

We are there two days and it gives us a very good impression how the convicts live was in the past. Thanks to the guides for the clear storys.

For a visual impression see my videos Port Arthur Historic Site Day 1 and Port Arthur Historic Site Day 2 .

Welcom to Port Arthur

Welcome picture compilation (Henk, Irene and Tiny)

A possibility of welcom to the visitors, behind the bars and with ball and chains weighed up to 20 kg. Such as the convicts in the past.

With the ferry to Point Puer and Isle of Dead

Irene and Tiny on the ferry

You can make a Harbour Cruise, but we advice also visiting the Point Puer Boys Prison and the Isle of the Dead. Access to the Point Puer Boys Prison and the Isle of the Dead is only available on guided tours. You can book these tours at the Visitor Centre.

Pros and Cons

Pros:An arrangement to assist people with limited mobility is possible.
Cons:The weather is changable, you need something warm. The ground is uneven in places and there is a lot of walking to do, so sturdy footwear is advised.

Last visit to Port Arthur: Apr 2005
Intro Updated Feb 24, 2010
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Reviews (5)

Henk, Irene, Tiny before the Barracks/Penitentiary - Port Arthur

The Prisoners Area/Barracks and the... Things to Do (5)

CAGES FOR LIONS When the convicts first arrived in September 1830 they were housed in a hastilybuilt Priseners Barracks... more travel advice

Tiny and Irene by the Guard Tower - Port Arthur

The Militairy Area Things to Do (5)

ALWAYS ON GUARD The military area is nexts the administration area. It also sits on high ground, so that the soldiers... more travel advice

View on the Administration Area from Mason Cove - Port Arthur

The administration area. Things to Do (5)

THE CONTROL ROOM OF THE MACHINE. The Commandant's House (built in stages 1833-56) and the Senior Military Officer's... more travel advice

Lookout on the Isle of the dead - Port Arthur

The Isle of the dead Things to Do (5)

THE CEMENTERY 'a secure and undisturbed resting place' By the Reverence Manton, 1833 About 1100 people were buried... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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sue&gene Apr 18, 2008 at 6:08 AM

This was a wonderful trip for us. Thanks for sharing your tips.
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kooka3 Sep 22, 2006 at 10:38 AM

Nice start to your Port Arthur page! Can't wait to see some tips.