Touring Tasmania - Convict Coastline

TASMANIA — Thursday 16th Nov. We toured the Convict Trail today — from Hobart to Port Arthur, stopping along the way to check out the views of the rugged coastline and windswept beaches. The scenery is breathtaking, and the geological formations of Tasman’s Gate, Devil’s Kitchen and the Blowhole illustrate the raw power of the ocean, and provide a welcome diversion from the drive.

Port Arthur provides a fascinating insight into Australian history and of convict life. The grounds of Port Arthur are so beautiful … soaring cliffs, dense forests and the lush green grounds, leading to the foreshore and cove. The bay heading straight out to the southern ocean with no land between it and the ice packs of Antarctica. Such a contrast to the brutal and harsh conditions endured by convicts and early settlers. We stayed on the grounds until a little after closing time and with the sun in the sky and a gently breeze—perhaps quite strangely given the history of this place–I found it such a tranquil and peaceful place. I’ve heard other people’s experience of this place has been profound; moving; compelling. I feel a little strange that my experience was so different.

Fatigue is starting to set in. Everyone is starting to get tired of the frantic pace of our schedule and the kids are starting to get a bit irritable. But, we’re all soldiering on. There’ll be plenty of time to rest when we get home. Which will be soon. This week has already gone so quickly and before we know it we’ll be back home and back into our daily routines, and planning our next adventure.

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