Port Arthur Tasmania: History and Travel Experience

Beginning

My name is Brishti—an ordinary girl from Bangladesh with an extraordinary dream: to one day walk hand-in-hand with my husband through the hills and history of a foreign land. I fulfilled my dream by spending 30 days in Tasmania with my husband.

Port Arthur stood out from all the other places we visited in a way I never expected. We left for this hauntingly beautiful place on the third day of our trip. It used to be a harsh prison colony, but now it is one of Tasmania’s most important historical sites.

This blog post looks at things from two different points of view.

I will share my genuine and emotional experience visiting Port Arthur from the perspective of a Bangladeshi traveller.

This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary details, such as the history, ticket costs, travel directions, attractions, accommodations, and local advice.

Let me take you on a journey through time that showed me a past full of silence, sadness, and strength.

Morning Drive: From Hobart to Port Arthur

It was a little cold in the morning. My husband was making coffee in our cozy Airbnb apartment in Hobart while I stood near the window and watched the sun rise over the hills.

We had already rented a Toyota Corolla the day before for about $85 a day. We got in the car and drove to the Port Arthur Historic Site with our Spotify playlist and GPS ready.

The journey was surreal. The roads twisted through green hills, you could see the sea in the distance, and there were small wooden houses along the way. We stopped at a bakery on the side of the road and got a cheese croissant and hot chocolate. “Where are you from?” asked the old lady at the counter. I smiled and said, “Bangladesh.” She said, “That’s a long way—welcome!”

Getting to Port Arthur: A Place Where Time Stands Still

After about two hours of driving, we got to Port Arthur, which is one of the most famous historical sites in Tasmania.

We got a site map and a QR code for the audio guide when we bought tickets. I could see old stone ruins, huge trees, and fog rolling over the hills from the entrance.

The Separate Jail:

We first went into the infamous Separate Prison, which was built to break prisoners’ minds instead of their bodies. The cells were small and soundproof, featuring only a hole for food. I stood there quietly and said to my husband, “Can you believe that we could spend months here without saying a word?”

The guide said that prisoners had to wear masks and couldn’t even see each other. This was the most severe form of solitary confinement.

The House of the Commandant

After that, we went to the commandant’s house. It was surprisingly lovely, with wooden floors, old furniture, a fireplace, and even a garden. It was very different from the harsh life in prison just a few metres away.

 The Church

Prisoners here prayed in small booths with high walls so they couldn’t see anyone else. Even praying felt like a punishment.

Special Times and Thoughts

My husband took many pictures of me in various poses: standing in ruins, sitting on the grass while drinking tea, and laughing under the big old trees. He told me to “Close your eyes and picture yourself as a prisoner here.”

I opened one eye and said, “Nope!” “I’d rather stay free under the sky with you.” We laughed, but I could feel the weight of the place deep down.

Lunch at the 1830 Restaurant 

There was a small but lovely restaurant called 1830 Restaurant next to the historic site. We got fish and chips and pumpkin soup. The food was excellent, but it was a little expensive. However, the view of the gardens and the distant hills made it worth every penny.

We sat quietly, eating and thinking about what we had just seen.

Ghost Tour at Night—Scary but Fun

We made a reservation for a ghost tour in the evening, which is something Port Arthur is known for. I was scared, but my husband told me, “It’ll be fun.” Don’t be worried.

The tour started with people holding torches. We walked through the dark ruins with a guide who told us creepy stories about shadows, footsteps, and voices that couldn’t be explained. The guide stopped for a moment and asked, “Did you hear that?” My heart raced.” I held my husband’s arm tightly and said, “Let’s not be too curious!”

The atmosphere, though partially fabricated, was undeniably eerie.

A Little Detour, A Big Lesson

We started driving back to our Airbnb after the tour. Sadly, the GPS took us the wrong way, and we had to drive through dark, narrow forest roads for about 30 minutes. I was frightened because there was no network signal. But my husband calmly figured out how to get back.

At that moment, I felt so lucky—not just for the trip, but also for the guy next to me.

My Summary and Rating of Port 

What I Liked the Most:

The historic site was well-preserved and full of information.

The mood was peaceful, thought-provoking, and emotional.

The audio tour was excellent, and the guides were helpful.

What Was Hard:

In many places, the mobile signal is weak.

Some food items and tour packages are quite expensive.

My Score:

4.5 out of 5 stars

A Short History of Port Arthur

Originally a prison, the site in the UK has now become a historic landmark.

Built as a timber station in 1830, Port Arthur quickly transformed into a prison for Britain’s most dangerous criminals.

The site held repeat offenders, or men who had committed crimes after being sent to Australia.

It was known for its harsh conditions and became a symbol of punishment and reform in the 1800s.

The prison was open until 1877, when it slowly became a historic site and tourist attraction.

More Than Just Chains and Cells

Port Arthur was a prison, but it was also a town on its own. It had a:

Church

Hospital

Asylum

House of the Commandant

School for kids of staff

The prison’s notorious “separate prison” system enforced complete silence and isolation on inmates as a form of punishment. The goal was to alter mindsets rather than physical appearances.

The Sad Event of 1996

In 1996, a lone gunman killed 35 people in Port Arthur. This is another reason why people remember Port Arthur. This incident led to significant changes in Australia’s gun laws, and it remains a painful memory for the country.

How to Get to Port Arthur

In a Car

Distance from Hobart: About 95 km (90 minutes by car).

The drive has beautiful views of the coast, cliffs, and rolling green hills.

The roads are in excellent shape, and there are clear signs for tourists.

On a Tour Bus

There are several tour companies that offer day trips from Hobart.

These usually come with a ride to the hotel, tickets, and a guided tour.

By Boat (Optional)

Some private cruises or adventure tours include a trip by sea to Port Arthur, where you can see coastal caves and wildlife.

Entry Fees and Packages

What to See Inside Port Arthur

1. The Jail

It used to be a flour mill, but now it’s a prison. The huge ruin makes it easy to picture how prisoners lived.

2. The Separate Jail

A creepy place where prisoners were kept in total silence for long periods of time. Very emotional.

3. The Chapel

A scary example of control was when prisoners had to pray in separate rooms.

4. House of the Commandant

It has a lot of fancy furniture, which shows how different the ruling class is from the prisoners.

5. The Hospital

There weren’t many treatments, and some of them were new. The building still has a creepy feel to it.

6. Boat Tour of the Isle of the Dead

A small island where both officers and prisoners were buried. You can get there by cruise.

7. The Separate Asylum

The Separate Asylum serves as a sanctuary for mentally ill convicts, serving as yet another poignant illustration of the harsh realities of life behind bars.

Pictures and Beautiful scenery.

The location is ideal for photographers, particularly during the golden hour.

The combination of crumbling stone, wild grass, and fog makes for a dramatic setting.

There are restrictions on drone photography, yet the ground shots are breathtaking.

Ghost Tour: The Scary Side of Port Arthur

The tour takes place once the sun has set.

Candlelight and storytelling serve as their guides.

Many people say they feel cold, hear strange noises, and see shadows that don’t make sense.

The atmosphere is not overly dramatic; it is more historical than theatrical.

Eating and Drinking

1830 Restaurant and Bar

The restaurant and bar can be found on the premises.

The restaurant and bar serves seasonal Tasmanian produce.

The menu has

Soup with Pumpkin

Fish and chips.

Cider and wines from the area

The cafe is conveniently located near the Visitor Centre.

The cafe serves coffee, hot drinks, and sandwiches.

This is an ideal location for a quick lunch before or after the tour.

Tip: Food can be a little expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, bring snacks.

Where to Stay Near Port Arthur

Booking in advance is highly recommended during summer and holiday seasons.

 Tips for Renting a Car

The daily rate is between $70 and $100 AUD.

There aren’t many gas stations, so fill up in Hobart.

It’s best to use GPS or offline maps.

Drive on the left side, as is customary in Australia.

 Network and Access

In some places, the mobile network may not be excellent.

Visitors can use free WiFi in the centre.

There are toilets, wheelchair access, and family-friendly areas.

What to Bring

Bring comfortable shoes because there will be a lot of walking involved.

Bring a raincoat or an umbrella, as the weather can change quickly.

In the summer, wear sunscreen and a hat.

A phone or power bank that is fully charged.

Pros and cons:

Good things:

A deep understanding of history

The area is gorgeous.

Facilities that are well-kept

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their duties.

One-of-a-kind nighttime experiences

Not good:

It can be hard on some visitors’ emotions.

Few choices for public transportation

Food and extras that cost a lot

Weak signal on mobile

Overall Rating

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)

Final Thoughts

Port Arthur is more than just a place to visit; it’s a place to feel. I had no idea how much that one day would affect me, even though it was only the third day of our 30-day trip.

As I stood among the ruins that had once echoed with cries of despair, I felt more than just curiosity. I felt connected to the stories that were carved into the stone and soil. I learned that history isn’t just in books; it’s also in the wind, the walls, and every quiet corner of places like Port Arthur.

Don’t forget to visit Port Arthur if you’re going to Tasmania.

This place will stay with you long after you leave, whether you love history or just enjoy travelling to places that make you think.

Elijah Lascelles

Hi, I’m Elijah Lascelles from the east coast of Tasmania. I studied tourism and started a small tour agency with my friends. We love traveling around Australia. On HaleBoop.com, I share my simple travel stories and experiences from all over the country.