Port Arthur is a small town and former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula, in Tasmania, Australia. Port Arthur is one of Australia's most significant heritage areas and the open air museum is officially Tasmania's top tourist attraction. It is located approximately 60 km south east of the state capital, Hobart. The settlement started as a timber station in 1830, but it is best known for being a penal colony.
There are more than sixty buildings, some of which - like the poignant prison chapel - are furnished and restored. Others, like the ivy-covered church, are picturesque ruins set in a landscape of green lawns, shady trees, and paths sloping down to the cove.
Things to see and do
* Penitentiary ruins
* Government Gardens
* Isle of the Dead
* Point Puer Boys’ Prison
* Ghost Tour
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language – English
Population – 500 approx
Land Area – 1240 km²
Time – GMT plus ten hours
Electricity - 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centered below Australian style
International Country Telephone Code – 61
Port Location – The port of Hobart is within walking distance of the city centre and features waterfront pubs, fish punts and restaurants.
Transport Links - Hobart is serviced by Hobart International Airport which is 15km from the city centre and offers flights to and from most Australian capital cities.
Bus tours are available from Hobart.