The dog line was established to prevent prisoners escaping the Port Arthur penal site. The narrowest point on Eaglehawk Neck was chosen and dogs were spaced here held in place by chains.
The only indication that the dogs were here is a life sizes bronze sculpture. The dog certainly looks vicious, baring its teeth while looking huge.
Parking is not obvious with the sign only visible as you are leaving the peninsula. In this case you make a right turn into the old officer’s quarters where a community hall now stands.
This was a quick but fun visit to see a remnant of the past. Including the walk from the car park we only stayed about ten minutes.
Created to honour fallen soldiers in World War One, the Legerwood Memorial Trees are a brilliant way to ensure their legacy remains remembered.
Following the end of World War One, many towns and cities in Australia chose to honour their fallen soldiers by planting trees to form avenues of remembrance. Planted during elaborate ceremonies, the families of dead soldiers placed trees as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice of their loved ones.
However, with time, the trees aged and became a hazard to people passing by. The thought of removing them and losing a link to the past was too much for the local community, so they came up with a unique solution. They engaged chainsaw artist Eddie Freeman to transform the trees into permanent memorials. Using historical photos of the soldiers, he sculpted the trees into wonderful artworks.
Not only do the sculptures show soldiers, but also depicts them in their civilian jobs, or with wives and fiancés. There are nine trees, in the park. They represent the seven men from the town killed in the conflict, one to remember the ANZACS and one to remember the sacrifice made at Gallipoli.
There is a plaque giving the history of the men at the base of each tree.
Getting There
Located just over an hour from Launceston along the Tasman Highway, Legerwood is easy to get to. Marked, appropriately by a sculpture, the turn-off is hard to miss. On street parking is available in the park, which also has toilet facilities and a barbeque area.
This way to Legerwood
The Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees
We spent a lot of time walking around the memorials, reading the histories of the soldiers. The sculptures are great and it was wonderful that the artist used photos of the men to create each piece of art, because each one looks individual.
Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees
A soldier on the Beach at Gallipoli Carrying an Ammunition Box and Billy Can
A Bugler at Lone Pine
Private John Henry McDougall
The Memorial to Private Robert James Jenkins
Private Robert James Jenkins
Private Thomas Edward Edwards, Goodbye With His Wife
Part of the Private Thomas Edward Edwards Memorial
Private William Henry Hyde
What Did We Think?
This was a great stop and a wonderful way to remember those who fought and died in the First World War. We loved walking around reading the men’s histories and admiring the sculptures.
Before setting out on the Burrawang Walk, drop into the Visitor Centre. Not only are the toilets located here, but it is full of useful information for your visit. The staff were very friendly and helpful, which made the day start on a positive note.
Burrawang Walk Kamay Bay
Weaving through the history of the area, the Burrawang Walk takes you through the eyes of the original inhabitants of the area, through to Cook’s landing in 1770 and to its ongoing impact. Starting at the Visitor Centre it was originally called the Monuments Track, because of the monuments in the area. This is an easy track, because it’s only 1.2 km long, and mostly on grass or concrete pathways.
Interpretive Signs
Interpretive signs provide an insight into Aboriginal life in the area and the impact white settlement had on them. This is great because until recently, only European heritage was commemorated here.
Some of the Interpretive Signs
Interpretive Sign
Meeting Place
The Meeting Place
Cook’s Landing Place
A large obelisk and plaque commemorating Cook’s landing place dominate one section of the shore. In 1770, Lieutenant (later Captain) Cook landed here and claimed the continent in the name of the British Crown.
Captain Cook’s Landing
Plaque at Cook’s Landing
Banks’ Memorial
Banks inclusion in Cook’s expedition as a scientist led to many discoveries of plants and animals unknown to Europeans. A large memorial to him sits near Cook’s memorial, which recognises his contribution to science.
Banks Memorial
Solander Memorial
An interesting memorial and the first one we saw is to Daniel Solander, a Swedish scientist who accompanied Banks on the Cook expedition. He was the first Swede and university trained scientist to set foot in Australia.
Solander’s documentation of unknown plants led to the area being named Botany Bay, although now it has a dual name, Kamay Bay in recognition of its Aboriginal heritage.
Overshadowed by Banks while also dying at the young age of 49, he did not develop the reputation he deserved.
Solander Memorial
Bronze Sculptures
Sitting in, or on the water’s edge are three sets of bronze sculptures. These commemorate the 250th anniversary of the meeting of Aboriginal Australians and the crew of HMB Endeavour.
Whale Sculpture
Whale Sculpture
Eyes of the Land and Sea
Whale Bone Sculpture
Bronze Canoe Sculpture
First European’s Grave
Located on the waterfront, is a plaque marking the grave of Forby Sutherland, the first British subject buried in Australia. Forby died of tuberculosis.
Forby Sutherland Burial
What Did We Think of Burrawang Walk?
This was a nice, easy walk with lots to see. The numerous information boards were educational, which made it even more interesting. This is a must visit if you are in Sydney, because of the number of memorials and European heritage.
