Tasmanian Green Parrot

We headed out of Hobart to Port Arthur, about 100 km south east. Port Arthur is one of the best known and preserved convict settlements, now a World Heritage Site. It is also the site of a terrible massacre in 1996 where 35 people were killed. We had visited in the 80’s and keen to go back but for us the shadow of the massacre hung over our visit. We were not sure how we would feel.

After setting up the vans in a very nice NRMA park we headed out to explore the other features of the Port Arthur area. The first was the Tessellated Pavement, a natural geological phenomena.

Then down the road to the Tasman Arch, Blowhole, and Devils Kitchen, again natural phenomena created over millions of years on this wild coast.

The Blowhole, very tame at low tide.

Tasman Arch.

Devils Kitchen

These three sights are all very close and very impressive. We had heard about a convict coal mining town. Alan the coal miner was very interested in seeing this but we were not prepared for the amazing set of ruins on display.

Mine shaft head. The stories from here show how far we have come with workplace safety since the 1830’s.

From the mine shaft we walked out to the ruins of what was a significant town one housing 600 people.

Then time to get back to the vans for dinner where we were joined by a very cheeky and friendly green parrot, unique to Tasmania.

Also pademelons were everywhere and looking to share dinner with us.

Tomorrow we explore the convict settlement.