Feb. 11 & 12 – HOBART, TAZMANIA, AUSTRALIA

We crossed some tumultuous seas before our calm arrival on Monday morning. Today in Hobart is a Wooden Boat holiday. Keep in mind – it’s summer here!

In a rental car with good friends, we headed off for a 1 ½ hour drive to the Tasman Peninsula -

Stopping on the way to pick up some Australian meat pies and dessert (of course).

Our destination was Port Arthur, a penal station established in 1830. Many countries were part of a global phenomenon of forced migration, punishment and reform, trying to deal with crime. This also provided free labor as countries established their colonies.

The historical site is now a major tourist draw, with more than 30 buildings and ruins.

Our guide’s information was full of interesting details – all of which I will tell you right now! Heh, heh 😊

Thanks to the officers and wives and their meticulous journals of the day, much is known about people and events.

Stories of individual prisoner’s lives have been preserved and are on display at the excellent interactive Visitors Center.

The grounds now a days, also provide a place for a family outing.

From a boat tour we looked to the harbor – imaging it being seen by convicts as they sailed to their prison home. Transportation of convicts here ended in 1853.

Back at our ship, on Tuesday morning we walked into Hobart Town with its impressive colonial buildings.

The tower of St. David’s Anglican Cathedral

The windows are beautiful! Most moving, however, was a plaque along a side wall – it is a tribute to Alec William Campbell “The Last Australian ANZAC*”, 1899-2002. And “to the memory of all who have served this country in the Armed Forces and Paid the Supreme Sacrifice. Lest We Forget”.

*Australian and New Zealand Army Corps