We have moved on from the Huon Valley to the Tasman Peninsular.

The main attraction down here on the Tasman Peninsular has to be the Port Arthur convict site. Others might disagree and say it is the amazing  coastal scenery. But who cares both are great things to have a look at. At Port Arthur there is a mix  of conservation versus restoration. Much is beyond restoring and is being conserved, but a number of the houses are being carefully restored with much of the furniture dating from the period. A couple of the houses are also largely intact from the period (having in the past being used as hotels for late 1800s and early 1900s tourists).

The prison at Port Arthur

We had a day here wandering around the site, listening to a couple of presentations and going out on a short cruise on the harbour. Looking back on the site from the water. A very interesting day which gave a new insight into the convict era, it wasn’t all punishment but a far bit of opportunity for those who survived the system.

Room in the Commandant’s House at Port Arthur

The ‘garden’ at Port Arthur, the military looked after themselves. This was in’ rack n ruin’ and is in process of being restored.

The Church at Port Arthur, now a shell, the stonework remaining with no roof.

The Tasman Peninsular coastal scenery didn’t escape us either. We went off on one of those 60 Great Short Walks along the Tasman coastline. Leanne thought this was great fun, another short walk! Well it only took nearly two hours there and back. Some just great scenery along this track to Waterfall Bay (Short Walk No 3 if you have the booklet on hand) and not a strenuous walk either. We have now done 8 of these Short Walks, a few more yet to do, all are looking forward to seeing how many we can do!

Coastline down the Tasman peninsular from the ‘Devil’s Kitchen’

Tasman Arch

Stack

Waterfall Bay on the Tasman Peninsular

We have been staying for 3 nights at a great Van Park at Port Arthur about 5 minutes from the site. It is set amongst bushland on the waterfront.  it is also 20 minutes or so from Doo Town where we had some great Fish n Chips for lunch at Doo Lishus, a road side van selling all sorts of sea food delicacies. The weather seems to have turned for the better. The wind has dropped away and no rain. We move on from here and travel further up the east coast to Freycinet National Park and Coles Bay.