~ Port Arthur Historic Site ~ White Beach ~

Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed, is well known for the most preserved convict settlements. With an area of over a hundred acres and about 30 historic colony-styled buildings, explore the past of many stories. It is a place of punishment and hardships for men, and women, including young children. Port Arthur was much more than a prison. It was also home to military and civilian officers.

The site ticket (AUD$ 47/pax) is valid for two consecutive days with 

• a guided introduction walking tour
• 20 minutes harbor cruise
• its gallery, museum, and the heritage garden

The open-air museum is worth a day of visit for its well-preserved ruins, picturesque landscape, and beautiful garden.

We joined one of the earliest guided tours, but soon it started to rain. We head to the separate prison building for shelter and continue the introductory tour.

The convicts were isolated from each other, including doing their prayer service in the church at the Separate Prison. Each was locked in a single cell for 23hours a day where they ate, slept, and worked. The convict was allowed to exercise alone in the high-walled yard for one hour a day.

Next, we took the harbour cruise to sail by the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer Boys Prison.

Lunch at the cafe and continue exploring other ruined buildings.

The commandant house displays the lifestyle of the people back in the olden days.

Every ticket comes with a character card where you can discover their fate at the gallery.

Drive to the white beach to explore the area in case of any aurora for the night.

At dusk, we spotted a few pademelons on the sides of the road near the Port Arthur Motor Inn. It is, therefore, important to drive at a slower speed and keep a watch out for wild animals.

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Overnight at Stewarts Bay Lodge