Port Arthur and Tasman

Spending a few days in Tasmania visiting some of my GF’s family, who have moved here. We had a couple of days in Hobart so decided to drive south to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur.

This beach is where the dogline was at Eaglehawk Neck – the only connection to the mainland and 30 metres wide. They had 13 vicious dogs here who would catch escaped prisoners.

A blowhole at the Tasman Peninsula.

Some great formations made over the centuries by the elements.

And great views of the peninsula.

Then we got to Port Arthur, where you go out by boat, giving you this view of the old prison.

Many will remember the mass shooting by Martin Bryant in 1996. He killed 35 and wounded 25 more. He may be insane but he picked his area well, in that there would be very few places in Australia with so many people in one place, yet scores of miles from the Police.

It is a beautiful and now tranquil area, despite its history.

Thousands of prisoners were kept here, ranging from actual criminals, to political prisoners to paupers to the insane.

Today there are no prisoners, but lots of birds.

A lovely view from up at the Commandant’s House.

It takes around three to four hours to get around all the buildings, grounds and houses.

The prison areas are just part of what is there. They have many old houses from the convict and post-convict eras where the doctor or priest etc would live.

Remains of an old church.

The Gardens.

And the fountain at the centre of the gardens.

Tryout out the shackles for size.

And driving home, I loved these road signs of the Tasmanian Devils. And you do actually see a few at night.