Hexagonal shaped , towering basalt columns and dramatic rock formations showcase the rugged beauty of Tasmania ’ s coastline .
Tasmania ’ s harsh landscape made it an ideal location for England ’ s penal settlements when Australia was established as a penal colony . The rugged and remote terrain of the Tasman Peninsula was perfect for isolating convicts . The dense forests , rocky coastlines and rough seas acted as natural barriers , making escape nearly impossible .
The most infamous of these settlements was Port Arthur , established in 1830 . It was strategically located on the Tasman Peninsula , accessible only by a narrow land bridge called Eaglehawk Neck . This isthmus was heavily guarded by soldiers and ferocious dogs , further ensuring the security of the prison . Port Arthur became a model of the separate system , where prisoners were kept in isolation to prevent communication and plotting escapes .
The harsh conditions of the landscape not only provided security but also served as a constant reminder of the prisoners ’ punishment . The natural features of the peninsula , such as the towering sea cliffs and dense bushland , added to the psychological and physical challenges faced by the convicts .
We did a combined day tour with Pennicott ’ s Wilderness Journeys to explore the Tasman Peninsula by boat and visit the Port Arthur Historic Site . I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Port Arthur . Upon entry , you are handed a playing card that matches one on the wall . When you find your match , you learn about the history of a former prisoner or staff member at the site . For Jeb , a man who
found his way into Australia as a speaker at the Australian International Taxi Conference representing the Transportation Alliance , it was only fitting that his card read Robert Ashford , serving a life sentence at Port Arthur working in transportation .
We walked around Port Arthur for about two hours , examining the small scale of the cells . We walked in the footsteps of those who served here , often for crimes born of hunger , like stealing bread or other petty offenses . The orange-tinted walls of the former penitentiary stood in stark contrast to the beautiful tall eucalyptus trees in the background . It was hard to imagine the pain and torment conducted in what is such a beautiful place .
Tasmania ’ s beauty is probably no more apparent than along the coast . With nothing in between you and Antarctica , the Tasman Peninsula meets the harsh robust winds coming from the world below . The peninsula is home to the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere , the most notable being Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul . These cliffs are the result of ancient volcanic activity , where molten rock cooled and solidified into vertical columns of dolerite . Over millions of years , the relentless forces of wind and waves have sculpted these cliffs into their current dramatic forms .
The artist in me was intrigued by how nature colored the rocks a bright orange from algae , creating a striking contrast with the deep cerulean color of the sea . The orange and blue hues , which are complementary on the color wheel , created a visually captivating scene . On these rocks were various forms of marine life from seals to birds . We were fortunate enough to see a group of albatrosses resting off the coast . Albatrosses can go years without touching the ground , and we were allowed to witness the rarity of their moment of pause .
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