Saturday, 26 November

Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia

Welcome to Tasmania, southernmost state in Australia, an island separated from the rest of the country/continent, "discovered" by Abel Tasman (from Holland), and home to the infamous Tasmanian Devils. No, not an Australian football team, but nasty little animals that have recently become endangered because of disease that spreads so quickly through the packs. If you aren't planning a trip here, you can see these little buggers at the San Diego Zoo.

The Westerdam is anchored in Carnarvon Bay, close to Port Arthur's most important historical site:  The Penitentiary of 1857 and the surrounding buildings and grounds, covering about 100 acres. 

After room-service breakfast, I stop by Shore Excursions to get an ID sticker for my afternoon tour, which has been moved up to 11:30am, since the captain expects heavy winds later in the day, and intends to sail the short distance to Hobart two hours earlier than planned. (Although the winds never materialize, the Westerdam still departs from Port Arthur at 3:30 rather than 5:30pm.) With my sticker I will be able to join the tour directly from the Port Arthur Historical Site, rather than returning to the ship for the official meeting on board.

As a four-star Mariner on HAL I receive expedited entry to the tender and I am off the ship by 8:30am. (One of the few useful privileges besides free laundry and pressing.)

Port Arthur Historical Site has been beautifully maintained and provided with excellent signposts and information:

The Penitentiary Building (1857)

The Penitentiary Building (1857), with Law Courts (1846) Behind 

Guard Towers (1835)
(above and below)

Commandant's House (1853-56)

Rear View of Law Courts and Penitentiary

Floral Display

The Church (1837)

After a quick lunch and coffee at the visitor center, I am ready to board the coach for my 11:30am three-hour shore excursion: Geological Panoramas of the Peninsula. This tour visits several remarkable sites along the bay and sea coasts of the southeastern peninsula of Tasmania.

Tasman's Arch (above and below)

The Devil's Kitchen

We pass through the tiny town of "Doo" where all the beach houses and business have added "doo" to their names and signs, such as "Dr Doo-little," "Dirigy Doo," "Doo Drop," and the snack caravan below:

The coach returns to the tender landing dock at the Penitentiary Historic Site and ten minutes later we are back on board Westerdam as she sets sail for the three-hour journey to Hobart, where we will spend the night and all day tomorrow.

As we sail out of the bay and round the end of the peninsula, I get a close-up look at the incredible limestone rock formations, millions of years old, from my starboard veranda:

I have had a very active day since leaving the Westerdam early this morning, so after dinner I am ready for an early bed-time. Tomorrow is another day in Hobart and I have big plans for the morning hours.