The state of Tasmania is located about 150 miles south of the Australian mainland. It is usually shown on maps as the large heart-shaped island of Tasmania with many other islands surrounding it. The archipelago is crowded— it consists of about 1000 smaller islands!!! Tasmania is, however, the 26th-largest island in the world. It has the lowest population and smallest economy in Australia. Tourism, agriculture and aquaculture, education and healthcare are the major economic drivers of the state. Hobart is the state capital. Port Arthur is famous for its history as a penal colony. But both cities are important in the Penal Colony History of Australia, which is so complex, and yet, fascinating!!!
After the American Independence of 1776, Britain, still experiencing the effects of an Industrial Revolution along with a population surge (1760 to 1840), needed a new continent to colonize. The preferred method was to send convicts along with military and civilian overseers to colonize a promising location. Australia was the continent of choice because the French were threatening to colonize the region. Britain desired to forestall the effort.
The first Australian Penal Colony was established in 1788 in what would become Sydney, eventually creating the largest and most prosperous city in Australia. By 1807, a penal colony was established in Hobart. This led to Tasmania being declared a colony (separate from New South Wales) in 1830. And that is when the Port Arthur Penal Colony was established.
Port Arthur was notorious for its harsh treatment of prisoners, but the reality was slightly different. The facility changed philosophy, coming to the conclusion that psychological methods were more effective. A punishment and reward program seemed to produce released convicts who would go on to build homes, start families, establish businesses and communities. It was adopted across the continent. Many freed convicts went on to local admiration and fame.
Here Are Some Photos
Hobart:
Hobart is the 2nd oldest city in Australia (Sydney is #1.) It was founded in 1804 by Colonel David Collins and has many Georgian & Victorian buildings surviving from the prosperous whaling days of the 1830s.The dock is conveniently located within walking distance of the Hobart attractions.A lot of interesting artwork may be seen along the shore.This tableau commemorates the exploratory voyage to Antarctica by Louis Bernacchi in 1888. Bernacchi was the first Australian scientist to overnight in Antarctica.Your Roving Raconteurs have been to Hobart several times. We’ve walked the town; viewed the annual regatta, visited the museums, dined in the restaurants, and sipped in the pubs!!!But until now, we had never visited the Cascade Brewery.Built in 1824, This is the oldest continuously operating brewery in Australia!!!Today, they not only brew beer, they produce ciders, sodas, and juices.We were told to “gear up, line up, and follow our guide thru the brewery.So we did.Photos were not allowed inside the brewery. So this is the last photo until we exit into the tasting room.Completing the tour, we make our way to the samples!!!They were ready for us and we got down to the business of tasting!!!We tasted all their beers including a side pour of the export stout.Sandy’s favorite was on the right– Cascade Lager–light, slightly fruity, with a crisp finish. Shifting to the left, the second was Roger’s fave-pick–Pale Ale–the oldest continuously brewed beer in Australia!!!We both agreed, the pale light bodied, hazy XPA with hints of pineapple, guava, & lychee, (seen here on the far right) was a definite UGH!!!After taking a short tour of the grounds and restaurant…..…..we went back to the shore…..…..for lunch…..…..before heading back to the ship and moving on to our next and last Tasmanian port–Port Arthur.
Port Arthur:
Port Arthur began as a timber station in 1830.The Port Arthur Penal Colony operated from 1833 to 1877. Its reputation was one of harsh treatment and brutal discipline. The convicts worked hard; but they also learned skills that would serve them well upon release.The entire facility is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The visitors’ center contains a lunchroom, museum, gift shop, and private tour center.Many of the buildings are preserved in their deteriorated state.They all contain signage for self-guided tours.We had an enjoyable, interesting, and educational day in Port Arthur!!!As the day came to a close, we boarded the tender…..…..and headed back to the ship.
Our final port in Australia is Sydney; and we will be there for two days!!!
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