Port Arthur prison ruins
Most travellers pass through the Tasman Peninsula on their way to Port Arthur, one of Australia's most popular historical sites. Port Arthur was the site of a major convict-era penitentiary that operated from the 1830s till the 1870s. The ruins at Port Arthur are the best penal colony ruins in Australia and they are World Heritage listed.
If your main interest is Port Arthur, you should keep in mind some other interesting stops nearby. You can make these Tasman Peninsula stops brief with a quick look at each spot. You can also spend a day or more hiking in addition to visiting Port Arthur, for a better appreciation of the area's rugged beauty.
You can read about Port Arthur here.
Coal Mines Historic Site
30 kilometres from Port Arthur, the Coal Mines Historic Site is another remnant of Tasmania's harsh years as a penal colony. Convicts that were too unruly for Port Arthur were sent to the coal mines - said to be even more barbaric.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Coal Mines Historic Site ruins - where those too unruly for Port Arthur were sent
Tasman National Park
Tasman National Park is right by the ruins at Port Arthur and has become a popular hiking location in recent years. The Three Capes Walk is sensational (we haven't done it yet but plenty of friends have) and it's also possible to take shorter walks or just enjoy the park from the magnificent Fortescue Bay (we have visited Fortescue Bay and its immediate surrounds).
Photo: Mark Bowyer Fortescue Bay, Tasman National Park
The Tasman Coast
As you drive towards Port Arthur, you'll come across a number of scenic and historic places worth stopping for. All are a short drive from one another and can be included in a day trip to Port Arthur. They won't take long - each stop can be less than 30 minutes unless you decide to explore further. There are bushwalking trails in this area for those wanting to spend a day or longer hiking and experiencing the best views of the rugged Tasman Peninsula coast.
Among the best-known stops are Pirates Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch, Eagle Hawk Neck and the Tesselated Pavement.
Pirates Bay Lookout: This is the lookout at the start of the Tasman Peninsula with dramatic views of the coastal cliffs and capes that create some of Tasmania's most spectacular natural scenes.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Pirates Bay Lookout - Eaglehawk Neck
Eaglehawk Neck Officer's Quarters: Eaglehawk Neck is the narrow strip of land connecting the Tasman Peninsula with Tasmania. At its most narrow it's just 30 metres wide. It provided an excellent natural means for containing escapees from Port Arthur. It didn't stop the escape attempts though. Port Arthur's prisoners took terrible risks to escape and many died trying to break free. During the years of Port Arthur's operation until the 1870s, the area was heavily patrolled by soldiers and dogs. The Officers' Quarters date from the 1830s and are open as a historical site from the Port Arthur prison period. The place was empty during my visit. It's an easy 20 - 30 minute stop.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Officers' Quarters, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Peninsula
Tessellated Pavement: This is an unusual geological formation on the Tasman Peninsula where natural erosion creates a patterned flat layer of coastal rock that looks like manmade blocks have been placed together. The pavement is a short walk from the carpark and can be visited in 30 - 45 minutes.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Peninsula
Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen: Two dramatic coastal formations a short walk from a nearby carpark.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Tasman Arch, Tasman Peninsula
Twitter: @rustycompass
Rusty Compass is an independent travel guide. We’re focused on providing you with quality, unbiased, travel information. That means we don't receive payments in exchange for listings and mostly pay our own way. We’d like tourism to be a positive economic, environmental and cultural force and we believe travellers deserve disclosure from publishers. Spread the word about Rusty Compass, and if you're in Saigon, pop in to The Old Compass Cafe and say hi. It’s our home right downtown on Pasteur St. You can also check out our unique tours of Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney at www.oldcompasstravel.com Make a financial contribution using the link below. Even small amounts make a difference. Thanks and travel well!