As you may remember from your history classes, (or perhaps not at all?) Australia was founded on the backs of convicts that were transported there in the early days of settlements. Life was harsh in the early days of settling and the convicts had it especially rough. It depended a lot on luck how your arrival in Australia went. You could be as young as 9 and be transported to Australia. Imagine stealing some food (because you’re near starving) and ending up being sent ½ way across the world. The life of crime is really the only thing you will grow up knowing.
Tasmania used to be called Van Damien’s Land originally and was where the really bad guys were sent. Adventuring around in Van Damien’s land was not a pleasant place to be at all. If you re-offended AKA were found guilty of a second crime after you’d already been transported to Australia, you were sent to a prison in “Van Damien’s Land.” Boo. Hiss. Boo. Port Arthur was one of many prison complex that developed throughout Tasmania … (and Australia for that matter… all these crazy convicts running around!).
Port Arthur, is of course, haunted. While we didn’t end up hitting Port Arthur at the right time of evening to go on a ghost tour, we were able to walk through some of the haunting buildings that make up the prison complex. The ruins are remarkably well preserved. According to our extremely well-informed and researched guide, when they finally closed the prison, the government just packed up all the stuff and people and left. They wanted to forget about this place of misery. It became an instant tourist attraction, so the government tried to destroy it by lighting a fire or two nearby. Despite this, or perhaps because of the $20 admission price that goes directly into the maintenance of the park, the ruins are well-preserved and provide for a stimulating walk.
After another enjoyable day cruising around in comfort in Tassie, Mike and I returned to our frigid hostel for the night. The power went out in the evening just for the fun of it. Yeah. We went to bed early, but that’s okay. Rising before the sun is the way of the budget traveler. We are pressed for time and money. In our case, Mike and I booked three early morning flights within Australia in order to gain the most economical seats. To catch the shuttle to the Hobart airport, we had to catch a 5:15 am bus/shuttle service. Joy.
The Hobart airport is tinsey-tiny. They have a total of 3 airlines that operate in and out of Hobart and one small terminal. While we boarded the plane in Melbourne by walking down those usual hallways, we both boarded and exited the plane in Hobart by walking on the jetway. There were actually boys filming this part of the trip at 6:30 am. I haven’t a clue why, but they seemed like an odd bunch.
A hop, skip, and two plane rides later,… Mike and I arrived into Auckland International Airport. It was my third time in this lil’ airport.
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