I have just returned home after a few days playing tourist and exploring parts of our island that I hadn’t visited for many years. The first stop was the Tasman Peninsula with its spectacular coastal scenery.
The Port Arthur Historic Site is at the southern end of the Tasman Peninsula. Port Arthur was a former convict settlement from 1833 to 1853 and is one of 11 Australian Convicts Sites World Heritage properties.
It was considered the perfect location for prisoners as it is a secure site , surrounded by water on a 30 metre isthmus named Eaglehawk Neck that was fenced and guarded by soldiers, man traps and guard dogs.
Despite its grim history , Port Arthur is a fascinating place to visit with its somewhat eerie beauty.
This garden leading to the ruins of the convict church has been recreated using plants that would have been in the original garden , including many historic roses.
This is the Guard Tower , walking through the site one can only imagine what life would have been like for both the prisoners and the guards.
Port Arthur had also seen tragedy in recent times. On April 28th., 1996 it was the scene of a mass shooting,
taking place in the cafe and other spots in the area. Sadly 35 people were killed that day and many more wounded. This sparked a rethink of our gun laws and semi-automatic guns and rifles are now illegal .
There is a beautiful memorial garden encompassing the site of the cafe.
Casual comfort was the order of the day , black pants and top with my Paula Ryan bronze jacket for warmth.As eagle eyed readers would note I started out wearing my red velvet cap but some rain and stronger winds forced a change.
Do you enjoy playing tourist in your own back yard?
Joining Jess for Turning Heads Tuesday.
Spectacular scenery, and a very interesting looking jacket, love the metallic shine. Pkayong tourist can be a lot of fun. I often play tourist in my home town, taking pictures and posting them on Instagram. I try to avoid the most obvious cliches, though, and instead try to see something familiar from a new point of view, or focus on usually overlooked details.
I always enjoy your Instagram photos , it is fun exploring our own back yards and finding different views of areas we just take for granted. This area is spectacular and we have decided to visit again soon. Thank you for your always kind comments.
Would love to visit this historic World Heritage Site someday. Those convict settlements such an interesting part of Australian history. What a wonderful day you had and you look fantastic in that puffy bronze coat.
I hope you do get to visit some day Marea , I know with your interest you would find them so interesting. We did have a wonderful day rediscovering areas visited a long while ago.
Hello Jill,When you're done wearing that coat I'll send you my address so you can ship it right away! 😉
Done deal Joni, will keep in touch.
Such a stylish tourist. I only can but dream of places that far away. Will you ever come to Spain?XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thankyou so much Sacramento, from you we really are the end of the world. I do hope to return to Spain , there is a plan maybe next year.
Hi Jill!I love to play tourist in my own state, doing it now! So interesting, love the history and all about the prisoners. I want to visit Alcatraz here in the States. Love the shiny metallic jacket with black,stylish!Thank you for linking up with Turning heads Tuesday!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Playing tourist in your own state is always a reminder of what we so often take for granted. Hope you get to see Alcatraz one day. Thank you for hosting .
What a unique jacket! I love the color on you. I play tourist in my own town every week and love doing so!Aliciaspashionista.com
Thank you so much Alicia , I always enjoy sharing your town through your eyes.
As always, a fascinating photo journey! In spite of its history the place looks rather charming and picturesque. You look casually stylish, Jill!
Thank you Olga glad you enjoyed it, a fascinating and picturesque place regardless of its early history.