The Penitentiary — Attraction in Tasman

Title: Personal Connection at Port Arthur Historical Site

My recent visit to Port Arthur Historical Site provided a captivating glimpse into Tasmania's convict history. While exploring, I unexpectedly discovered a photograph of my great-great-great-grandfather, Ephraim Doe, among the exhibits. However, the lack of accompanying stories or research about his remarkable life left me eager for more insight.

Port Arthur impressively preserves Australia's convict past through well-preserved buildings, informative exhibits, and scenic landscapes. Ephraim Doe's presence added a personal touch, but a deeper exploration into individual stories, like his, would enhance the overall visitor experience.

I encourage Port Arthur's custodians to consider delving into more detailed narratives, such as Ephraim Doe's, to enrich the historical tapestry and provide a more immersive understanding of Australia's convict history. Despite this, the site remains a captivating journey through time with the potential for even greater personal...

By far the visually most dominant structure on the Port Arthur settlement is the Penitentiary. This substantial four-story stone and brickwork structure was built around 1842 and originally, for about a decade, it served as a flour mill and granary. In 1854-1857, it was converted to a penitentiary and held prisoners until 1877 when the Port Arthur convict settlement was closed.

The worst 136 convicts under heavy sentences were held in separate cells on the first two floors. The 3rd floor had a library, a dining hall, and a Catholic Chapel. The 4th floor had dormitory-style accommodations for 348 better-behaved convicts. The Penitentiary was gutted by fire in 1897 and today several of its main walls remain held-upright to prevent their collapse.

The photographs included here, show the Penitentiary ruins as it stands today and for comparison, I have also included historical photos as it was back in 1859 and the...

A Must-Visit Historic Site – Port Arthur Port Arthur is a place filled with deep history and heartbreaking stories. Walking through the site, you can truly feel the weight of its past, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Australia’s history. Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the site is quite large and spread out. There’s plenty to do beyond exploring the ruins—the evening ghost tour adds a chilling experience, the ferry tour offers a great perspective of the area, and there are plenty of food spots nearby to enjoy a meal after a day of exploring. Port Arthur is a fascinating and emotional place that’s well worth the visit. Highly...