Destination's Journey

Tag: convict site

  • Coal Mines Historical Site Tasmania

    Coal Mines Historical Site Tasmania

    Coal Mines Historical Site

    The location of Tasmania’s first operational mine, the Coal Mines Historical Site, is now part of a World Heritage listed site where the ruins form a reminder of the past. Interpretive signs throughout the site not only describe the buildings use, but provide an insight into life there, by describing the lives of individual convicts.

    With the discovery of coal in the area in 1833 mining commenced, producing coal locally, rather than import it from New South Wales. Serving as a place of punishment for repeat offending convicts from Port Arthur, the mine operated for 40 years before closing.

    The Site

    Two entrances to the site allow access to either the main settlement, or the old mine shaft. Walking tracks connect the two areas, so it doesn’t matter which you go to if you intend walking. Entry to the site is free. We chose the main settlement to start at, because it has excellent introductory signs and toilet facilities. The larger ruins are also located here, so if you only want to see them and not the entire site, this is the place to start.

    As you can see from the photos, the majority of the buildings have been damaged by bushfires, the weather and vandals over the last 150 years. The remaining walls are still interesting to see, as they stand on a small rise overlooking bushland.

    Walking from the main settlement, we passed the military barracks and commanding officer’s quarters. From here, the track steepens as you walk uphill to the signal station, where we could not see any remains.

    Our last stop was the main shaft, which was surrounded by a fence. This was a large depression maybe 10m deep and 20m across, but the shaft itself it filled in, so there was nothing to see.

    • Visitor Information as You Enter the Site
      Visitor Information at the Entrance
    • Information on the Heritage Site
      Information on the Heritage Site
    • Ruins of the Main Settlement Coal Mines Historical Site
      Ruins of the Main Settlement
    • Ruins of the Main Settlement
      Ruins of the Main Settlement
    • Convict Cell
      Convict Cell
    • Ruins at the Main Settlement
      Ruins at the Main Settlement
    • Sandstone Wall and Door Coal Mines Historical Site
      Sandstone Wall and Door
    • Ruins of the Military Barracks Coal Mines Historical Site
      Ruins of the Military Barracks
    • Commandants Residence
      Commandants Residence

    What Did We Think?

    The sandstone ruins are imposing, standing as they do on a small hill. We enjoyed looking around and reading the interpretive sign, while taking photos. The walking track winds through bushland, which was enjoyable to walk through. Although the main shaft was a disappointment, the rest of the area was very good and worth seeing.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

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  • 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