Port Arthur Historic Site
The Port Arthur historic site was the one place I knew I must visit when in Tasmania, Australia's beautiful island state.
From all the documentaries I'd seen and articles I'd read, I knew that I must not miss it. It is Australia's most intact convict site.
Historical Background
The penal station was first established in 1830. Over time it developed into a punishment station to which serious repeat offenders were sent from other Australian colonies.
By 1840 thousands of convicts as well as soldiers and civil staff lived at the settlement. Not only was it a penal station, it also produced a variety of goods including ships, clothing and furniture.
Visiting the site today
On paying for admission you are given a comprehensive guide book and a playing card. …show more content…
This allows you to view the site from the harbour plus visit islands. A cemetery is located on the aptly named "Isle of the Dead". On another island is the remains of the Point Puer Boys' Prison where teenage male convicts lived.
You can hire an audio player and listen to recordings which guide you around the site. I highly recommend the introductory walking tour, on which you are accompanied by an expert guide. There's nothing like learning from someone who has been trained in the history of the settlement, and who knows about what actually went on in all the different locations. You can get your questions answered plus talk to other people in the group - what a great way to learn and enjoy the experience too!
Yes I did find out who "my" convict was. In the "Lottery of Life" as it is called, I had been dealt the four of hearts. I discovered that this card was associated with Thomas Fleet. He tried to escape with 5 others but was caught and punished with 75 lashes. In a bid for revenge, he struck his overseer in the back with an axe. For this he was charged with attempted murder and executed. I wonder what his original crime
From all the documentaries I'd seen and articles I'd read, I knew that I must not miss it. It is Australia's most intact convict site.
Historical Background
The penal station was first established in 1830. Over time it developed into a punishment station to which serious repeat offenders were sent from other Australian colonies.
By 1840 thousands of convicts as well as soldiers and civil staff lived at the settlement. Not only was it a penal station, it also produced a variety of goods including ships, clothing and furniture.
Visiting the site today
On paying for admission you are given a comprehensive guide book and a playing card. …show more content…
This allows you to view the site from the harbour plus visit islands. A cemetery is located on the aptly named "Isle of the Dead". On another island is the remains of the Point Puer Boys' Prison where teenage male convicts lived.
You can hire an audio player and listen to recordings which guide you around the site. I highly recommend the introductory walking tour, on which you are accompanied by an expert guide. There's nothing like learning from someone who has been trained in the history of the settlement, and who knows about what actually went on in all the different locations. You can get your questions answered plus talk to other people in the group - what a great way to learn and enjoy the experience too!
Yes I did find out who "my" convict was. In the "Lottery of Life" as it is called, I had been dealt the four of hearts. I discovered that this card was associated with Thomas Fleet. He tried to escape with 5 others but was caught and punished with 75 lashes. In a bid for revenge, he struck his overseer in the back with an axe. For this he was charged with attempted murder and executed. I wonder what his original crime