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Willow - Port Arthur Prison

Set within the picturesque confines of a forest-bordered harbour, the Port Arthur site offers a diverse panorama: 19th century buildings sitting within the park-like surrounds of the superbly reconstructed gardens, criss-crossed by avenues of mature English trees.

Originally established in 1830 as a timber-getting camp, the settlement quickly expanded in size, large cultivated plots laid down to supplement the rations of the convicts and officers. Accompanying this was a setting aside of small plots for the tending of ornamental gardens by the officers. Large swathes of well-tended lawn are interspersed with the ornamental beauty of the reconstructed Government and Commandant’s Gardens. The images of the garden are far removed from the hardship the prisoners had to endure.