Port Arthur

Port Arthur Articles

Use of violence is nothing to be proud of

IN 1997 Walter Mikac launched the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, named after his young daughters who were shot and killed by Martin Bryant at Port Arthur, Tasmania, on April 28, 1996.

Flirting with minority rule as protest vote strengthens

TASMANIANS are again grappling with the prospect of minority government, the third since 1980 involving the Greens party.

Gun thefts on the rise in NSW

LAX security at home, a spate of gun thefts from armoured van guards and people keeping weapons in unlocked cars and under their pillows has contributed to an 11 per cent jump in the national gun theft rate.

On the killing of self

A young playwright who took on Australia's worst massacre as a subject turns his eye to the difficult territory of suicide and euthanasia, writes Andrew Stephens.

The gulag across the Tasman

IN THIS confusing economic calamity where the price of men's undies goes down but women's up one Australian export is under particular threat: criminals.

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Port Arthur is about 80 kilometres south east of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania by the Tasman Pensinsula.

The town of Port Arthur began as a penal colony from 1830 and today there are many tours of Port Arthur for visitors to give them insight into how the town used to operate in the 19th Century.

Port Arthur heritage

Now, Port Arthur is renowned as an important heritage township in Tasmania and boasts an open air museum that is known as Tasmania's most prominent tourist attraction.

Port Arthur gardens

Outdoor life in Port Arthur features prominently and there are many flourishing gardens in the town, such as the Commandant's Garden and the gardens at Trentham Cottage.

Port Arthur heritage buildings

You can also marvel at the historical buildings as well as grand elm and oak trees on a Port Arthur Historical Walking Tour.

The Bush Mill near Port Arthur is worth a stop while you're in the region.

The Bush Mill has a historic timber mill, steam railway and settlement displays that will give you a great insight into the history of Port Arthur.

Get your adrenalin racing on a ghost tour to Port Arthur convict ruins and visit the stunning Port Arthur natural attraction - Remarkable Cave, carved from the ocean's waves.

Port Arthur seaside walks

While you're by the ocean, enjoy the ocean views with a walk to Crescent Bay.

Port Arthur cruises

If you like the water, Port Arthur has harbour cruises that also give you knowledge about the Port Arthur's history of ship building, the Isle of the Dead and the Port Arthur Point Puer's boy prison.

And you won't go without brilliant views of the coastline while you're out on the water at Port Arthur.