Destination's Journey

Tag: travel

  • 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

  • Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    How to Get There

    The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise leaves from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. On arrival, park your car in the large carpark and make your way to the large building, where you check in and wait for the tour to start. From here, the guides will walk you to the boats tied up at a nearby pier.

    What to Wear and Take

    The weather in this part of Tasmania is very changeable, meaning that although it may be warm before you start, it may be cold or raining later. The tour recommends warm clothing, as the temperature out on the water may be cold. A waterproof jacket is provided, which is ankle length, but you may still get wet. We wore woollen jumpers and jackets, but still used the jackets provided. Gloves and something warm for your head, like a beanie and a scarf are also recommended.

    There is room in the overhead nets for bags and backpacks to keep them dry, but anything on the floor will get wet. To avoid water damage photos are best taken when the boat stops. We kept cameras inside our jackets when not being used and they did not get wet.

    Prior to the boat leaving the dock, the crew provide a safety briefing and distributed ginger seasick tablets. Fortunately, no one became sick during our cruise.

    The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat

    The Coastline

    One of the main attractions for the cruise is the rugged coastline which provides a fantastic backdrop throughout the three hours you are on the water. Whether it is towering cliffs, blow holes, sea caves or arches, there was always something to look at. The boat stopped regularly, which allowed us to take pictures. Taking pictures while moving was impossible, as we moved too fast, and it was too bumpy and wet.

    Cliffs

    The towering dolerite cliffs dominate the coastline, throughout the trip, reminding you of how rugged the coastline is. One of the best sights is the monument, an eroded spire standing out of the sea watching over the coast.

    • Dolerite Cliff Face
      Dolerite Cliff Face
    • Opening to a Sea Cave
      Opening to a Sea Cave
    • The Monument
      The Monument
    • The Monument Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
      The Monument

    Sea Caves and Blow Holes

    Wave action has cut caves and fissures into the cliffs in many places, producing caves and blow holes. As the water enters the fissures and is forced out by air pressure, huge spouts of water erupt into the air. The boat got close enough so that we were often covered by the spray.

    Blow Hole on a Cliff Face Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    Blow Hole on a Cliff Face

    Arches

    Over time erosion around the sea caves turns them into arches. These look magnificent standing above the sea, with waves crashing around their base.

    • Arch in the Cliff Face
      Arch in the Cliff Face
    • Arch in the Cliff Face
      Arch in the Cliff Face

    Islands

    The Friars, several small islands are home to seals and sea birds. The tour takes you out to them, but they also look good by themselves.

    The Friars Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    The Friars

    Wildlife to See on The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Although a major highlight of the tour, there is no guarantee that wildlife will be seen during the cruise. We were lucky, because seals and seabirds were basking on the rocks and dolphins put on a show for the return journey.

    Birds

    During the cruise we were able to see many sea birds, most of which were drying their feathers on rocks off the coast. We managed to see a sea eagle, but it was too far away for a good photo.

    • Black-faced Cormorants
      Black-faced Cormorants
    • Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
      White Faced Heron and Black-faced Cormorants
    • Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
      Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron

    Seals

    New Zealand and Australian fur seals were basking on rock ledges when we were there, making for great photo opportunities. At the Friars, the boat was able to get close inshore where we saw them up close. This was very special and a highlight of the trip, although the smell was overpowering.

    • Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
      Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
    • Australian Fur Seal
      Australian Fur Seal
    • New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
      New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
    • Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
      Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island

    Dolphins

    During the return trip dolphins swam next to the boat, putting on a great show.

    Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat

    Whales

    Sometime during trips whales are visible as they migrate to and from the Antarctic. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any, but the other wildlife we saw was great.

    Back on Shore

    After returning our wet weather jackets and thanking the crew, we made our way to the restaurant where we had a hot meal and a drink from the bar.

    Post Cruise Refreshment
    Post Cruise Refreshment

    What Did We Think of The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    This was the highlight of our visit to Bruny Island with the coastline and wildlife being amazing to see. Remember to wear warm waterproof clothing and don’t forget your camera.

    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