REPORT on CONVICT HERITAGE TOUR, TASMANIA
Sunday 21st October to Sunday 28 October 2018
Background history: On 24 November 1642 Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, sighted the west coast of Tasmania, north of Macquarie Harbour which he named Van Diemen's Land.
The first British settlement: A small party from Sydney landed at Risdon Cove on the eastern bank of the Derwent estuary in 1803. An alternative settlement was established in 1804 by Captain David Collins at Sullivan's Cove where fresh water was more plentiful. This settlement became known as Hobart Town, later shortened to Hobart. Tasmania became the primary penal colony for repeat and hardened convict offenders, the more recalcitrant of whom were often moved on to secondary prisons - the harsh penal colonies of Port Arthur and Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast.
In July 2010, a total of eleven Australian convict sites were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, five of which are from Tasmania. The sites are recognised as “the best surviving examples of large-scale convict transportation and the colonial expansion of European powers through the presence and labour of convicts”.
THE TOUR
Saturday 20 October 2018 – Our group arrived in Hobart today, checked into the hotel and headed straight to the markets at Salamanca to hunt for treasurers. That evening, we re-gathered for dinner and to discuss tour arrangements for the following days.
Sunday 21 October – It was a balmy day so, at our driver’s suggestion, we took a 10-minute drive to Mt Nelson and the Truganini Conservation Reserve, dedicated to the Tasmanian Aboriginal. Mt Nelson is the site of a colonial signal station built in 1811, the first of a chain of signal stations that linked Hobart Town and Port Arthur enabling a short message to be exchanged within fifteen minutes. We spent some time enjoying the blue skies, sunshine and photographing the panoramic city views.
The first British settlement: A small party from Sydney landed at Risdon Cove on the eastern bank of the Derwent estuary in 1803. An alternative settlement was established in 1804 by Captain David Collins at Sullivan's Cove where fresh water was more plentiful. This settlement became known as Hobart Town, later shortened to Hobart. Tasmania became the primary penal colony for repeat and hardened convict offenders, the more recalcitrant of whom were often moved on to secondary prisons - the harsh penal colonies of Port Arthur and Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast.
In July 2010, a total of eleven Australian convict sites were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, five of which are from Tasmania. The sites are recognised as “the best surviving examples of large-scale convict transportation and the colonial expansion of European powers through the presence and labour of convicts”.
THE TOUR
Saturday 20 October 2018 – Our group arrived in Hobart today, checked into the hotel and headed straight to the markets at Salamanca to hunt for treasurers. That evening, we re-gathered for dinner and to discuss tour arrangements for the following days.
Sunday 21 October – It was a balmy day so, at our driver’s suggestion, we took a 10-minute drive to Mt Nelson and the Truganini Conservation Reserve, dedicated to the Tasmanian Aboriginal. Mt Nelson is the site of a colonial signal station built in 1811, the first of a chain of signal stations that linked Hobart Town and Port Arthur enabling a short message to be exchanged within fifteen minutes. We spent some time enjoying the blue skies, sunshine and photographing the panoramic city views.
We then headed to the Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart which played a pivotal role in the penal transportation system. Its purpose was to remove women convicts from the negative influences and temptations of Hobart and protect society from their implied immorality and corrupting influence. The factory was located in damp swamp land and, with overcrowding, poor sanitation and inadequate food and clothes, there was a high rate of disease and mortality among its inmates.
The women were separated into classes: First class for women recently arrived from England who showed good behaviour on the voyage (for cooks, task overseers and hospital attendants). Second class was for those guilty of minor offences and others who exhibited improved conduct (for making clothes, preparing and mending linen). Third class, the crime class, was for those who had been transported for a second time - guilty of misconduct on their voyage to the colony; convictions before the Supreme Court; those committing offences within the walls of the establishment (for washtub duties and laundering for the factory and other places of confinement; also carding and spinning wool). They all experienced unrelenting hours of labour, sometimes up to 12 hours a day, and even the slightest disobedience to the rules was punishable. A very depressing place of unbelievable hardship.
We adjourned for lunch at the Cascade Brewery in a delightful garden setting with Mt Wellington behind and a stream nearby of pure water flowing from the mountain. The first Cascade beers were sold in 1832.
Our next stop was for a tour of Runnymede House, a fine Regency stone villa built in the 1840s, the colonial Homestead and Gardens are now run by the National Trust. It was named after Captain Charles Bayley’s favourite ship and was the home of his family for more than 100 years. Set in elegant gardens with a combination of mature trees, garden beds and gravel driveway the house has vistas to distant hills
The women were separated into classes: First class for women recently arrived from England who showed good behaviour on the voyage (for cooks, task overseers and hospital attendants). Second class was for those guilty of minor offences and others who exhibited improved conduct (for making clothes, preparing and mending linen). Third class, the crime class, was for those who had been transported for a second time - guilty of misconduct on their voyage to the colony; convictions before the Supreme Court; those committing offences within the walls of the establishment (for washtub duties and laundering for the factory and other places of confinement; also carding and spinning wool). They all experienced unrelenting hours of labour, sometimes up to 12 hours a day, and even the slightest disobedience to the rules was punishable. A very depressing place of unbelievable hardship.
We adjourned for lunch at the Cascade Brewery in a delightful garden setting with Mt Wellington behind and a stream nearby of pure water flowing from the mountain. The first Cascade beers were sold in 1832.
Our next stop was for a tour of Runnymede House, a fine Regency stone villa built in the 1840s, the colonial Homestead and Gardens are now run by the National Trust. It was named after Captain Charles Bayley’s favourite ship and was the home of his family for more than 100 years. Set in elegant gardens with a combination of mature trees, garden beds and gravel driveway the house has vistas to distant hills
Our next stop was for a tour of Runnymede House, a fine Regency stone villa built in the 1840s, the colonial Homestead and Gardens are now run by the National Trust. It was named after Captain Charles Bayley’s favourite ship and was the home of his family for more than 100 years. Set in elegant gardens with a combination of mature trees, garden beds and gravel driveway the house has vistas to distant hills.
Later that afternoon, we walked through St David’s Park seeking the headstones and plaques of First Fleeters. The memorial commemorates the First Fleeters and Norfolk Island settlers who came to Tasmania during the evacuation of Norfolk Island between 1807 and 1813. Among the many headstones, we found the Beresford family, Daniel Stanfield and Alice Harmsworth, Susannah and Edward Garth, George Guest, Henry Hacking, Jacob Bellett, free settler, Samuel Free, Elizabeth and Louisa Lucas. On discovering the plaque for Andrew Goodwin and Lydia Munro, Chris and Jackie (below) might say that “we walked over their graves”, they found it very moving. That evening we enjoyed the buffet dinner at the Wrest Point Coffee Shop, when we had another Tasmanian resident, a friend of one of our party, join us for the meal.
Our next stop was for a tour of Runnymede House, a fine Regency stone villa built in the 1840s, the colonial Homestead and Gardens are now run by the National Trust. It was named after Captain Charles Bayley’s favourite ship and was the home of his family for more than 100 years. Set in elegant gardens with a combination of mature trees, garden beds and gravel driveway the house has vistas to distant hills.
Later that afternoon, we walked through St David’s Park seeking the headstones and plaques of First Fleeters. The memorial commemorates the First Fleeters and Norfolk Island settlers who came to Tasmania during the evacuation of Norfolk Island between 1807 and 1813. Among the many headstones, we found the Beresford family, Daniel Stanfield and Alice Harmsworth, Susannah and Edward Garth, George Guest, Henry Hacking, Jacob Bellett, free settler, Samuel Free, Elizabeth and Louisa Lucas. On discovering the plaque for Andrew Goodwin and Lydia Munro, Chris and Jackie (below) might say that “we walked over their graves”, they found it very moving. That evening we enjoyed the buffet dinner at the Wrest Point Coffee Shop, when we had another Tasmanian resident, a friend of one of our party, join us for the meal.
Monday 22 October – Boarding our coach we drove via Sorell, Dunalley, Eaglehawk Neck to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, established as a penal station in 1833. The prison model was designed for grinding rogues into honest men, by discipline, punishment, religious and moral instruction, separation, training and education. Many men were broken but some were rehabilitated and released as skilled blacksmiths, shoemakers or shipbuilders. Port Arthur was not only a prison, but a complete community of military personnel and free settlers who enjoyed parties, regattas, literary evenings, finding sanctuary in beautiful gardens - in stark contrast to the harsh, unforgiving life of the convicts.
Our entry passes included a guided introductory 40-minute Walking Tour of the Port Arthur site, taking us to a few of the 30 historic buildings and ruins. Our guide was very passionate about the importance of the history of the convict era and led us through some of the punishment areas and demonstrated how the convicts were isolated even when attending church services. We joined a pleasant cruise of Carnarvon Bay, around the Isle of the Dead and the convict cemetery among the trees, and passing the site of the Point Puer Boys’ Prison. After lunch we were free to wander through manicured grounds and gardens. Though the place has a tragic and confronting past, this seems to be diminished by its calm beauty and tranquillity. By 1840 more than 2000 convicts, soldiers and civil staff lived at Port Arthur. It had become a major industrial area, producing everything from worked stone and bricks to furniture and clothing, boats and ships, in fact in serious competition with commercial enterprises.
On the return drive we viewed the impressive coastline at Pirates Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch, the Blow Hole, the Devils Kitchen, and the Tessellated Pavement. We alighted the coach at Salamanca where we had an enjoyable fish dinner at Mures Lower Deck Restaurant.
Tuesday 23 October
An 8.30am departure this morning for the 22km drive to Mt Wellington, which rises to 1,271 metres above sea level and is frequently covered by snow, even in summer. We drove up the sealed narrow road through forest, woodlands and alpine environments, which is home to extensive wildlife. At the summit, almost reluctantly we exited the coach to a fierce wind, bitterly cold. Gathering our coats around us we wrestled the wind as we took the path to the glass-enclosed lookout. Cocooned inside, we marvelled at views of the city below, the Derwent Estuary, and south to Bruny Island. At hand were the mountain’s most distinctive
feature, the cliff of dolerite columns, known as the Organ Pipes. All told, a sight to behold.
An 8.30am departure this morning for the 22km drive to Mt Wellington, which rises to 1,271 metres above sea level and is frequently covered by snow, even in summer. We drove up the sealed narrow road through forest, woodlands and alpine environments, which is home to extensive wildlife. At the summit, almost reluctantly we exited the coach to a fierce wind, bitterly cold. Gathering our coats around us we wrestled the wind as we took the path to the glass-enclosed lookout. Cocooned inside, we marvelled at views of the city below, the Derwent Estuary, and south to Bruny Island. At hand were the mountain’s most distinctive
feature, the cliff of dolerite columns, known as the Organ Pipes. All told, a sight to behold.
After descending the mountain our driver detoured for a tour of historic public buildings, the waterfront warehouses lining Salamanca Place, historic Battery Point (the best-preserved colonial-era suburb in Australia), named after the battery of guns which were established there in 1818 as part of the Hobart coastal defences. We enjoyed the delightful Arthur Circus with its ring of small cottages surrounding an old village green built in the 1840s. Constructed for the officers of the garrison, they originally consisted of only two main rooms. A very early sub-division, the auction advertisement described it as “delectable building sites in a neighbourhood that will inevitably become The Resort of the Beau Monde”.
We then headed to Anglesea Barracks where we were met by ex-army personnel for the tour of the buildings that surround the parade ground and the Army Museum of Australia. Anglesea Barracks is an Australian Defence Force barracks in central Hobart, Tasmania. The site was chosen by Governor Lachlan Macquarie and construction began on the first buildings to occupy the site in 1814. It is the oldest Australian Army barracks still in use and its design is very similar to the Victoria Barracks in Sydney. They were very appreciative of our interest in their military history in many theatres of war, and their modern-day purposes.
Next visit was to the Royal Hobart Botanical Gardens to sample the luncheon menu at the Succulent Restaurant. The Gardens were officially founded in 1818, thus celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The gardens were made famous by Peter Cundall and the ABCTV’s popular long-running Gardening Australia. The area was first established on a rough bush block by ex-convict, John Hangan. He and his wife turned the site into a productive farm with fruit trees, cereal crops and vegetable gardens - food for the Derwent settlement. The Government later established the colony’s main food production area known as the Colonial Gardens. Our group was split into two, each with a specialist guide, some choosing to take the buggy for a Tour on Wheels over the extensive grounds, so beautifully developed and maintained, they were an absolute delight.
This evening twenty-two members of the Arthur Phillip Chapter gathered at the New Sydney Hotel for their special reunion dinner with the Derwent Chapter. The twelve Derwent members were assembled as we entered the private room and everyone was quickly made feel very welcome. We all took our places at the tables and Diane Snowdon, President of the Derwent Chapter, extended a warm welcome to everyone. She suggested that each of us stand and give a short description of our First Fleeter, which revealed that several First Fleeters were represented in both Chapters. One APC spouse explained that he is not a First Fleeter, that their surname can be spelt the same backwards as forwards (a palindrome), and that a slight variation is entered in the Doomsday Book compiled in 1085-6, which is far earlier than our 1788 arrivals – which brought a big laugh from everyone. One Derwent member, announced that he was the only person amongst the group to retain the name of his First Fleeter. It was an entertaining way for “breaking the ice” and soon stories were exchanged in more detail. The hotel dinner menu was delicious and very unique. Everyone agreed that it was a very happy and enjoyable night of fellowship and friendship.
Wednesday 24 October
The drive north along the Midland Highway took us via the old settlements of Kempton and Oatlands and onto Ross, a fine 19th century village with cobblestone paths and grand old elms situated on the Macquarie River. Governor Macquarie visited Tasmania in 1811 and later stationed a garrison of soldiers at the ford of the Macquarie River. In 1836 the original low level bridge was replaced by the splendid sandstone Ross Bridge, 3rd oldest bridge still standing in the country. The shop at the Tasmanian Wool Centre displayed some gorgeous Australian woollen garments and tempted some keen buyers from our group.
Wednesday 24 October
The drive north along the Midland Highway took us via the old settlements of Kempton and Oatlands and onto Ross, a fine 19th century village with cobblestone paths and grand old elms situated on the Macquarie River. Governor Macquarie visited Tasmania in 1811 and later stationed a garrison of soldiers at the ford of the Macquarie River. In 1836 the original low level bridge was replaced by the splendid sandstone Ross Bridge, 3rd oldest bridge still standing in the country. The shop at the Tasmanian Wool Centre displayed some gorgeous Australian woollen garments and tempted some keen buyers from our group.
Still heading north, we were warmly welcomed at Blenheim Gallery and Garden which was showcasing a colourful range of unique contemporary glass and ceramic and some botanical artwork – set 10 acres of splendid gardens and park-like grounds with sculptures scattered here and there. Large rose buds were well formed expected to burst into colour for their Open Garden in November. The dedication of our hosts to the development of this rural setting plus the backdrop of the Great Western Tiers made this a beautiful experience.
Our next tour was at Entally House, a fine historic home displaying a magnificent collection of Regency furniture, fine silver and once an extensive library. It is surrounded by superb gardens and parklike grounds with outbuildings, stables, conservatory, chapel and carriage house. Thomas Haydock Reibey II was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Reibey (nee Haydock). Mary was a former convict who, at the age of 13 was convicted of horse stealing and sentenced to transportation to Australia in 1790. In 1794 she married Thomas Reibey Senior who established the Entally name as a successful trading company that owned a number of vessels running coal up the Hawkesbury River.
Following her husband’s death in 1811, she obtained a grant of 300 acres of land upon which their son, Thomas Junior, built the homestead in 1819. Mary became a rich, successful businesswoman who ran an extensive importing and mercantile business, held liquor licenses, and extended her land holdings. As one of the most famous early convict women, Mary is pictured on Australia's $20 note. Our guide showed us around the interior of the house, now a living memorial to the family. We were then free to wander through the gorgeous gardens, the azaleas were a blaze of colour but a bit early for the roses. The tabby cat had the run of the house, even allowed on this highly polished antique table. Across the road is its sister property, Entally Lodge which houses a restaurant, bar and 20 rooms of accommodation and this is where we spent a delightful stay of two nights. Their restaurant provided locally grown food for our delicious dinner on the first night.
Our next tour was at Entally House, a fine historic home displaying a magnificent collection of Regency furniture, fine silver and once an extensive library. It is surrounded by superb gardens and parklike grounds with outbuildings, stables, conservatory, chapel and carriage house. Thomas Haydock Reibey II was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Reibey (nee Haydock). Mary was a former convict who, at the age of 13 was convicted of horse stealing and sentenced to transportation to Australia in 1790. In 1794 she married Thomas Reibey Senior who established the Entally name as a successful trading company that owned a number of vessels running coal up the Hawkesbury River.
Following her husband’s death in 1811, she obtained a grant of 300 acres of land upon which their son, Thomas Junior, built the homestead in 1819. Mary became a rich, successful businesswoman who ran an extensive importing and mercantile business, held liquor licenses, and extended her land holdings. As one of the most famous early convict women, Mary is pictured on Australia's $20 note. Our guide showed us around the interior of the house, now a living memorial to the family. We were then free to wander through the gorgeous gardens, the azaleas were a blaze of colour but a bit early for the roses. The tabby cat had the run of the house, even allowed on this highly polished antique table. Across the road is its sister property, Entally Lodge which houses a restaurant, bar and 20 rooms of accommodation and this is where we spent a delightful stay of two nights. Their restaurant provided locally grown food for our delicious dinner on the first night.
Thursday 25 October
A busy day today, first visit was to Brickendon Estate, settled in 1824 by William Archer and still operated by his 7th generation descendants. In 2010, the Brickendon and Woolmer Estates were jointly listed as an Australian Convict Sites World Heritage property – the most significant colonial rural estate supporting assigned convicts and free workers. Richard Archer made us very welcome and led us on a comprehensive tour of buildings built by convict labour set in magnificent gardens around the Georgian homestead – a blacksmith shop, cook house, barns and granaries, an original cottage, a gothic chapel, all carefully maintained since the early days of settlement - a living history.
The group then moved to Woolmers Estate by which time we were ready for a sumptuous Devonshire tea. Thomas Archer family continuously occupied from circa 1817 to 1994. It is acknowledged as an outstanding example of 19th century rural settlements containing family houses, workers’ cottages, chapel, blacksmith’s shop, stables, bakehouse, pump house, gardener’s cottage. Also preserved are collections acquired by the family over 180 years, providing a rare insight into six generations of one family. Its outstanding Rose Garden has a fine collection of historic roses, roses from Europe, China and through to the 21st century. Locals deemed this to be a late Spring season so the roses were mostly still in bud and we were too early for the annual Woolmers’ Festival of Roses.
A busy day today, first visit was to Brickendon Estate, settled in 1824 by William Archer and still operated by his 7th generation descendants. In 2010, the Brickendon and Woolmer Estates were jointly listed as an Australian Convict Sites World Heritage property – the most significant colonial rural estate supporting assigned convicts and free workers. Richard Archer made us very welcome and led us on a comprehensive tour of buildings built by convict labour set in magnificent gardens around the Georgian homestead – a blacksmith shop, cook house, barns and granaries, an original cottage, a gothic chapel, all carefully maintained since the early days of settlement - a living history.
The group then moved to Woolmers Estate by which time we were ready for a sumptuous Devonshire tea. Thomas Archer family continuously occupied from circa 1817 to 1994. It is acknowledged as an outstanding example of 19th century rural settlements containing family houses, workers’ cottages, chapel, blacksmith’s shop, stables, bakehouse, pump house, gardener’s cottage. Also preserved are collections acquired by the family over 180 years, providing a rare insight into six generations of one family. Its outstanding Rose Garden has a fine collection of historic roses, roses from Europe, China and through to the 21st century. Locals deemed this to be a late Spring season so the roses were mostly still in bud and we were too early for the annual Woolmers’ Festival of Roses.
Our drive this afternoon took us through Longford, situated in a rural setting in the foothills of the Great Western Tiers, gracing many Georgian buildings and English country gardens. A number of First Fleeters, who were relocated from Norfolk Island, are buried in the town’s churchyards - Tony Coulter made enquiries about his First Fleeter ancestors.
We continued to Clarendon House, a colonial mansion set on banks of the South Esk River. Because of the fear of raids by bushrangers James Cox had first resided in Launceston where he was a merchant and supplier of meat to the government commissary. He was appointed a magistrate in 1816. By the late 1820s he was residing on the property and began the construction of a large stone mansion in 1838, eventually managing a large pastoral enterprise, complete with servants’ wing and numerous farm buildings. He was known to treat his convict labourers very well. As our guide showed us through several rooms she explained the history of the house including the fact that James Cox was the second son of Captain William Cox who pioneered the road over the Blue Mountains. She then left us to explore ourselves, encouraging us to open cupboards and drawers to see the contents and then explore the gardens and seven hectares of parklands. Afterwards we stopped for a wander around the quaint town of Evandale and found a cosy place to enjoy a coffee. We then headed for James Boag Upper Deck Restaurant, much to our surprise located inside Launceston Airport and we had to pass through security. Dinner and drinks were at airport prices – a bit of a letdown! Would have booked at Entally House if only we had known.
We continued to Clarendon House, a colonial mansion set on banks of the South Esk River. Because of the fear of raids by bushrangers James Cox had first resided in Launceston where he was a merchant and supplier of meat to the government commissary. He was appointed a magistrate in 1816. By the late 1820s he was residing on the property and began the construction of a large stone mansion in 1838, eventually managing a large pastoral enterprise, complete with servants’ wing and numerous farm buildings. He was known to treat his convict labourers very well. As our guide showed us through several rooms she explained the history of the house including the fact that James Cox was the second son of Captain William Cox who pioneered the road over the Blue Mountains. She then left us to explore ourselves, encouraging us to open cupboards and drawers to see the contents and then explore the gardens and seven hectares of parklands. Afterwards we stopped for a wander around the quaint town of Evandale and found a cosy place to enjoy a coffee. We then headed for James Boag Upper Deck Restaurant, much to our surprise located inside Launceston Airport and we had to pass through security. Dinner and drinks were at airport prices – a bit of a letdown! Would have booked at Entally House if only we had known.
Friday 26 October
We travelled to the east coast and Swansea, stopping at Campbell Town, named in 1821 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie after his wife’s family. Continuing our drive, we enjoyed the scenery along the Lake Leake and Tasman Highways to Swansea. Located on Great Oyster Bay, its broad, sheltered expanse of water is a favourite with boating people. Swansea is a popular destination because of its lovely beaches, spectacular views of the distant granite peaks of the Hazards, Schouten Island and Freycinet National Park. As the first municipality in Australia to be established after Sydney and Hobart it has a rich colonial history and old world charm.
We firstly had a bite of lunch before visiting the Museum items at Visitor Centre and the Bark Mill Museum, a comprehensive display of farming equipment, a wool press, tools large and small, and a working steam engine which powered the original timber mill on this site, an example of the ingenuity of our early settlers. We sat enthralled watching a documentary on Matthew Flinders, an ABC production called The Navigators – Matthew Flinders, which unfortunately appears to be no longer available for sale. That evening, we happily dined at the Swansea RSL Club Bistro and sipped a few local wines, scoffed some fresh local oysters and enjoyed the locally grown produce. We were very amused to have our booking called “The Convict Tour”.
We travelled to the east coast and Swansea, stopping at Campbell Town, named in 1821 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie after his wife’s family. Continuing our drive, we enjoyed the scenery along the Lake Leake and Tasman Highways to Swansea. Located on Great Oyster Bay, its broad, sheltered expanse of water is a favourite with boating people. Swansea is a popular destination because of its lovely beaches, spectacular views of the distant granite peaks of the Hazards, Schouten Island and Freycinet National Park. As the first municipality in Australia to be established after Sydney and Hobart it has a rich colonial history and old world charm.
We firstly had a bite of lunch before visiting the Museum items at Visitor Centre and the Bark Mill Museum, a comprehensive display of farming equipment, a wool press, tools large and small, and a working steam engine which powered the original timber mill on this site, an example of the ingenuity of our early settlers. We sat enthralled watching a documentary on Matthew Flinders, an ABC production called The Navigators – Matthew Flinders, which unfortunately appears to be no longer available for sale. That evening, we happily dined at the Swansea RSL Club Bistro and sipped a few local wines, scoffed some fresh local oysters and enjoyed the locally grown produce. We were very amused to have our booking called “The Convict Tour”.
Our return drive to Hobart we had a photo-stop at the extraordinary Spiky Bridge built in 1843. No one knows the reason for the upturned jagged stones - one theory is to stop cows jumping over the side! It is no longer used for general traffic.
We continue via the Coal River Valley to Richmond, famous for its preserved Georgian architecture and heritage-listed Richmond Bridge, (Australia’s oldest still in use) built soon after the township's first settlement in the early 1820s. The town was established as a military staging post and convict station for the transfer of those convicted of a second offence amongst the 73,500 convicts who were transported to Tasmania. It was an important part of a transfer route between Hobart and Port Arthur until the Sorell Causeway was constructed in 1872 – which we had previously driven over on our way to Port Arthur.
We continue via the Coal River Valley to Richmond, famous for its preserved Georgian architecture and heritage-listed Richmond Bridge, (Australia’s oldest still in use) built soon after the township's first settlement in the early 1820s. The town was established as a military staging post and convict station for the transfer of those convicted of a second offence amongst the 73,500 convicts who were transported to Tasmania. It was an important part of a transfer route between Hobart and Port Arthur until the Sorell Causeway was constructed in 1872 – which we had previously driven over on our way to Port Arthur.
Richmond has more than fifty Georgian buildings, many beautifully restored and used as cafes, restaurants, galleries and craft stores which we quickly set out to explore and purchase some gifts. After a delicious lunch at the Richmond Arms Hotel we continue onto
Hobart to check into our hotel and freshen up for our farewell dinner. Enjoying our last evening together at the dining room of the Best Western Hotel, Hobart. Because of our close association with the Fellowship of First Fleeters, everywhere we were given special acknowledgement and greeted with interest and enthusiasm. We all agreed that this was a very successful tour with lots of friendship-building, happy times together and many insightful experiences along the way.
Hobart to check into our hotel and freshen up for our farewell dinner. Enjoying our last evening together at the dining room of the Best Western Hotel, Hobart. Because of our close association with the Fellowship of First Fleeters, everywhere we were given special acknowledgement and greeted with interest and enthusiasm. We all agreed that this was a very successful tour with lots of friendship-building, happy times together and many insightful experiences along the way.
Sunday 28 October
The tour officially finished after breakfast and goodbyes made before ordering shared taxis for the trip to Hobart Airport, leaving with memories of beautiful Tassie and a preserved history that tells the story of our convict and pioneer settlers.
The tour officially finished after breakfast and goodbyes made before ordering shared taxis for the trip to Hobart Airport, leaving with memories of beautiful Tassie and a preserved history that tells the story of our convict and pioneer settlers.
© Arthur Phillip Chapter of Fellowship of First Fleeters 2023-
Images: From the internet and courtesy of Arthur Phillip Chapter members
Images: From the internet and courtesy of Arthur Phillip Chapter members