PORTS OF CALL - Australia / New Zealand
Port Arthur, Tasmania
Located on the Tasman Peninsula, just 37 miles southeast of the state capital, Hobart, lies the scenic and historic town of Port Arthur. Although it is best known for its infamous 19th-century prison, the peninsula region rewards the visitor with a dramatic coastline and several natural wonders, including Devil's Kitchen, Tasman's Arch, The Blowhole and Remarkable Cave, so called, because when viewed at low tide, the opening of the cave remarkably resembles the outline of Tasmania.
Don't Miss
Originally serving as a timber station, in 1833 Port Arthur became a prison settlement for male convicts, and quickly established the reputation as "hell on earth" - essentially the Australian equivalent of France's Devil's Island. The prison was situated on a barren isthmus surrounded on three sides by shark-infested waters. It was the last place one would want to end up. Ironically, this 19th-century prison, with its dark history, is today Tasmania's most popular tourist attraction. The ruins of the former prison settlement include the four-story penitentiary and smaller separate prison used for psychological "procedures." There are guided tours daily, but word has it that the lantern-lit night tour is a spooky and an entertaining favorite.
Sporting Adventures
Port Arthur's spectacular coastline and crystal clear waters offer almost every kind of water sport. From surfing to swimming, sailing to snorkeling, canoeing to sea kayaking, big game fishing to boating, and much more. On land, you can try your luck on a guided fly-fishing expedition to one of the region's unspoiled rivers or lakes. Or take a bushwalking tour and get a first hand look at kangaroos, koalas, cockatoos, echidnas and, if you're lucky, maybe old "Tassie" himself - a real live Tasmanian Devil.
Local Flavours
When you talk about local flavors in Port Arthur and its surrounding areas, the operative word is local. Some of the best dining experiences of your life can be enjoyed in some of the area's little out-of-the-way restaurants, cafes and pubs. With an abundance of fresh produce, dairy and seafood, local chefs do wonders with a variety of delicious ingredients fresh from the farm or fish pier that same day. You'll also find local wineries and breweries can provide the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. For more cosmopolitan tastes, a handful of the more sophisticated Port Arthur restaurants specialize in Mediterranean, Italian and Asian dishes.
Currency
The local currency used in Port Arthur is the Australian dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted. And you can use your ATM card at banks around the country as long as your card is connected to the international banking network; traveler's checks are also accepted.