A visit to Port Arthur is more than just a step back in time—it’s an opportunity to experience the stories of hardship, resilience, and Australia’s convict past.
Just a one-hour drive from Hobart, Port Arthur sits on the Tasman Peninsula, framed by rugged landscapes and the wild Tasman Sea. After passing through the modern visitor entrance, we stepped into the sprawling grounds of one of Australia’s most notorious penal settlements.
We began with the included ferry tour, a 20-minute cruise around the bay. For an additional fee you can get off on the Isle of the Dead—the final resting place for both convicts and free settlers, for a guided tour. We chose to stay onboard and returned to explore the ruins.
View of Port Arthur from the bay
A Fortress of Isolation
Port Arthur’s location was no accident—it was designed to be inescapable. The settlement is connected to mainland Tasmania by a narrow strip of land known as the Dog Line, where chained guard dogs once stood watch, preventing convicts from fleeing into the wild beyond. However, multiple convicts did try to escape mostly by boat, some attempts more successful than others.
View from inside the main penitentiary building
Wandering the site, we explored the remnants of the penitentiary, originally built as a flour mill, now standing in ruins. Throughout the grounds, interpretive signs tell the stories of those who lived and laboured here, offering a glimpse into their harsh realities.
One of the many stories that make up Port Arthur
At the highest point, the Governor’s House overlooks the bay, a stark contrast to the prison buildings below. Other historical structures—such as the church, hospital, post office, officers' quarters, and police barracks—paint a vivid picture of life in this isolated community.
View from inside what is now just a shell of the church
A Solemn Reminder
One of the most sobering parts of the visit was the Port Arthur Memorial Garden, a tribute to the victims of the 1996 tragedy. Standing where the former Broad Arrow Café once was, the quiet reflection space is a poignant reminder of lives lost.
The memorial garden at the Broad Arrow cafe site
Final Thoughts
Port Arthur isn’t a place to rush through—its sprawling 100-acre site is best explored at a leisurely pace. Even though it was a thoroughly miserable day weather wise, it didn’t stop us from exploring every part of the site. The added benefit was that not many people were doing the same, so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. From restored gardens to the echoes of the past found in every ruin, it’s an unforgettable journey through Australia’s convict history.