Destination's Journey

Tag: convict building

  • Port Arthur Historic Site Tasmania

    Port Arthur Historic Site Tasmania

    Port Arthur Historic Site

    The World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site contains over 30 buildings and extensive ruins. The listing reflects its importance to the story of forced migration and settlement of Australia. Primarily a penal settlement, Port Arthur also encompassed a wider community including military and civilian officers and their families. The preserved buildings and ruins tell the story of life in the early years of colonisation.

    How To Get There and Parking

    Located on the Tasman Peninsula, a 90-minute drive from Hobart, Port Arthur is an easy day trip. However, we chose to stay on the peninsula to see other attractions.

    Several carparks at the end of the access road cater for cars and camper vans. During peak times additional room is available once the main ones are full, although there will be a slightly longer walk to the entrance.

    Entry is by ticket only, but this includes a guided tour and boat trip. These are not compulsory, and you are able to walk at your own pace to explore the site if you want.

    During our visit in June 2021 ticket cost was $40 per adult.

    Port Arthur Historic Site

    The Penitentiary

    Originally built as a flour mill in 1845, insufficient water led to its conversion to a penitentiary in 1857. The current state of the building was caused by a bushfire which only left the masonry walls and barred windows.

    Undertaken from 2012 to 2018, a conservation project has stabilised the building, while adding internal flooring and supports. There are Information boards detailing the operation of the building.

    As you can see from the photos, it was a wet and rainy day, which added to the atmosphere of the site and its gloomy past.

    • The Penitentiary Port Arthur Historic Site
      The Penitentiary
    • Inside The Penitentiary Port Arthur Historic Site
      Inside The Penitentiary
    • Inside The Penitentiary
      Inside The Penitentiary
    • Looking Out of The Penitentiary
      Looking Out of The Penitentiary
    • Remains of The Penitentiary Port Arthur Historic Site
      Remains of The Penitentiary

    Guard Tower

    The guard tower gives a great view over the rest of the site, particularly the law courts located next door. Looking like a European castle, the guard tower stands above the penitentiary which gave the guards a great view.

    Guard Tower Port Arthur Historic Site
    Guard Tower

    The Law Courts

    Any convicts breaking the regulations governing the settlement were sentenced at the law courts. The façade is interesting with its windows and arches, despite its damaged interior.

    • Remains of the Low Courts
      Remains of the Law Courts
    • Remains of the Low Courts Port Arthur Historic Site
      Remains of the Law Courts

    The Asylum

    Built for the mental health care of convicts in the early 1860s, this building was later used as the town hall. Today it contains a display of artefacts found on site as well as prisoner uniforms.

    • The Asylum - Later the Town Hall
      The Asylum – Later the Town Hall
    • Prisoner's Uniform on Display Inside The Asylum
      Prisoner’s Uniform on Display Inside The Asylum
    • Display Inside The Asylum
      Display Inside The Asylum

    The Church Port Arthur Historic Site

    With only the walls and tower intact, the church, which was built in 1837 is a reminder of the importance of religion in convict reform. Up to 1100 people would attend services here on Sundays. To allow multi-denominational services, the church was never consecrated.

    • Ruins of the Church
      Ruins of the Church
    • Ruins of the Church
      Inside the Ruins of the Church
    • Ruins of the Church Port Arthur Historic Site
      Ruins of the Church

    What Did We Think?

    We enjoyed our visit here, with the unpredictable Tasmanian weather adding to the atmosphere. Although we did not take the boat tour, our walk through the ruins was great, so don’t be put off by the weather. As one of Australia’s premier European historical sites it’s a must visit for anyone going to Tasmania.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • Ross a Historic 19th Century Tasmanian Village

    Ross a Historic 19th Century Tasmanian Village

    Ross Tasmania

    Built by convict labour in the early 1800s, Ross is a wonderfully preserved 19th century village full of old buildings and history.

    How to Get There

    Ross is about a one-hr drive (78 km) south from Launceston and a 90-min drive (121 km) north from Hobart.

    Ross Bridge

    Probably the most famous structure in town the bridge is Australia’s third oldest standing bridge. Often considered the most beautiful of its kind left in the world because of its 186 carvings by convict stonemasons. Deemed to be of such high quality at the time of construction it won the men a free pardon.

    During our brief stay the water level was very high, meaning we could not get as Close as we wanted to the carvings, but we still managed to see it from further away. Lit up at night, the bridge takes on a surreal look, with the colour of the sandstone emphasised.

    • Ross Bridge
      Ross Bridge

    Town Centre

    Full of old buildings and lined with elm trees, even in winter the main street look amazing. Our first stop was the bakery to get something to eat and drink after our drive. After that we walked around town admiring the old convict built buildings. Everything is close together, so you are able to get about on foot rather than driving.

    Old telephone boxes add a great bit of character to the main street, rather than more modern metal ones. As well as the buildings, the war memorial at the town’s cross-roads makes a great centre piece and is surrounded on four corners by old buildings.

    • Church Street
      Church Street
    • Church Street
      Elm Tree Lined Church Street
    • Church Street
      Church Street
    • Ross Post Office
      Ross Post Office
    • Old Town Hall
      Old Town Hall
    • 15 Pounder Captured During the Anglo-Boer War 1902 at the War Memorial
      15 Pounder Captured During the Anglo-Boer War 1902 at the War Memorial
    • Old Telephone Boxes
      Old Telephone Boxes on Church Street
    • Old Police Station
      Old Gaol

    Churches

    Scattered around town are three sandstone churches, all worth having a look at. The Uniting Church flood lit at night, so go back and have a look after dark.

    • St John's Anglican Church Ross
      St John’s Anglican Church Ross
    • Ross Uniting Church
      Ross Uniting Church
    • Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church
      Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church

    Ross at Night

    After dark, the bridge, Uniting Church and war memorial are flood lit. This adds a great additional dimension to the feel of the town. In the middle of winter, there were only a few groups looking around, so it was even better.

    • Ross Bridge at Night
      Ross Bridge at Night
    • Uniting Church at Night
      Uniting Church at Night
    • War Memorial At Night
      War Memorial At Night

    Where Did We Stay?

    Our accommodation was at the Ross Motel, which we found very comfortable. It was also centrally located, so we were able to walk from here to everything we wanted to see.

    What Did We Think?

    Ross is a wonderful little village, with its historic 19th century centre preserved. We loved walking around the streets admiring the old buildings. The flood lit buildings at night also add a great touch, making it interesting to get out after dark to look around.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

    Our photos are available for purchase on