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Australia

10

Reasons To
Visit Australia

  • Self-drive

    Driving is a pleasure on Australia's scenic, safe and uncrowded roads. We usually arrange for you to be met at the airport and taken to your hotel, where a hire car will be delivered. Embark on one of the world's most scenic drives including the Great Ocean Road or Gibb River Road.

    Self-drive

  • Aboriginal culture

    Australia's Red Centre has one of the country's highest concentrations of Aboriginal culture while in the north, Arnhem Land is Aboriginal owned and home to Australia's most extensive and significant collection of Aboriginal rock-art.

    Aboriginal culture

  • Beach life

    You don't need a surf board to appreciate the endless white sands that ring Australia. From the hustle and bustle of Bondi beach to the idyllic shores of the Whitsundays or remote beaches of the west, each has its own appeal.

    Beach life

  • Cosmopolitan cities

    From the world-famous Sydney in the east with her iconic Opera House and bridge, to the gleaming buildings and sandy shores of Perth, Australia offers the visitor endless opportunities to enjoy the fast-pace and excitement of city life.

    Cosmopolitan cities

  • National Parks

    Australia has one of the largest and greatest national park systems in the world, covering over 24 million hectares. With such diversity as lush rainforest to arid desertscapes the wildlife that call these national parks home are equally diverse.

    National Parks

  • Outback encounters

    The vastness of Australia is something truly to behold and there is nowhere better to take this in than in the outback itself, where beautiful desertscape stretch for as far as the eye can see.

    Outback encounters

  • Walking

    Whatever your fitness level, there are plenty of opportunities to head out into the Australian countryside and enjoy the remarkably-varied landscapes during your trip. Choose from leisurely strolls to more strenuous, multiple day hikes.

    Walking

  • Wildlife

    Australia is well-known for its kangaroos and koalas, but delve a little deeper and you may come across some of the country's more unusual and interesting wildlife, such as the dugong or thorny devil.

    Wildlife

  • Wine regions

    Australia is fast-becoming one of the most highly-regarded wine producers in the world, and with the likes of the beautiful and picturesque Barossa, Yarra and Hunter valleys, as well as Margaret River region to explore, we can understand why.

    Wine regions

  • Reefs & Oceans

    The kaleidoscopic colours of the fish and corals that inhibit the world's largest offshore reef, the Great Barrier Reef to the east, and the world's largest fringing reef, Ningaloo Reef to the west, are a must-see.

    Reefs & Oceans

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Visit Port Arthur, Australia

Port Arthur housed 12,500 convicts between 1830 and 1877. Described by Governor Arthur as a “natural penitentiary”, the Tasman Peninsula is connected to the mainland by ‘Eaglehawk Neck’.

Views of Port Arthur from Isle of the Dead
Views of Port Arthur from Isle of the Dead

Port Arthur

Australia

Described by Governor Arthur as a “natural penitentiary”, the Tasman Peninsula is connected to the mainland by ‘Eaglehawk Neck’, an isthmus only one hundred metres wide that was guarded by a permanent line of savage dogs, wickedly sharp man-traps and, legend has it, waters baited to keep them shark infested!

Port Arthur housed 12,500 convicts between 1830 and 1877. For some, this was a hellish place, however most convicts would earn their probation for good behaviour, whereupon their prospects were actually quite good, on account of the skills learned in Port Arthur’s thriving industries.

Convict labour enabled Tasmania to become initially self sufficient and then a net exporter.

Exploring Port Arthur

You can take a short boat trip to the poignant ‘Island of the Dead’, where prisoners and civilians alike were buried, often in unmarked graves. Not surprisingly one of the most popular evening tours around Port Arthur is the ‘Ghost Tour’ which is packed with ghoulish stories and anecdotal evidence.

 For such a history-focused day out it is well worth considering the use of a guide who will enthrall you with details otherwise missed.

More in Port Arthur, Australia

Further reading:
AustraliaRegions of AustraliaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout AustraliaCountry Guides

Other countries in Australasia:
New ZealandFrench PolynesiaSamoaThe Cook IslandsFiji

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