We watched the recent bushfires in Tasmania anxiously as the situation worsened, and whole communities came under threat and many members of those same communities lost their family possessions to the fires. During those difficult days, organisations like the Port Arthur Historic Sites supported those in trouble and served as a safe harbour in the fire storm. Now it’s our turn to stand up for Tasmania and the good people of those communities.
Tasmania is Open for Business and the amazing historic sites in the Port Arthur & Tasman region need your support!
Like and share the Open For Business image above, go to: Port Arthur & Tasman Tourism Association
One way we know of getting to Tasmania in the next year is on the 4th Unlock the Past history & genealogy cruise in March 2014 but I’m sure you’d like to get to Tassie before that! Jump on to Discover Tasmania for ideas on what to see and do in beautiful Tasmania in 2013!
And if you can, get to “A Gathering on the Norfolk Plains” from 1 to 3 March in Longford Tasmania. The aptly named Norfolk Plains became home to the last remaining Norfolk Islanders from that island’s original penal settlement when they were moved to Van Diemen’s Land in 1813. “A Gathering on the Norfolk Plains” will take place in the historic town of Longford, near Launceston, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Norfolk Islanders’ resettlement. The feature event, Descendants Day, will include family history displays by descendants of the original Norfolk Islanders. Meanwhile, the spirit of Longford’s colonial origins will be recreated in theatrical performances and even colonial-themed dining options in local restaurants. Self-guided tours of the region’s historic hotels, churches and graveyards are available, not to mention its impressive heritage properties. Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Estate are among Australia’s 11 World Heritage listed convict sites. Both contain heritage gardens, convict-built structures and accommodation in cottages from the 1820s to 1840s! Visit www.norfolkplains.com.au
Each issue, Inside History magazine spotlights heritage travel in Australia and New Zealand and in our Issue 7: Nov-Dec 2011 edition we went to Tasmania’s Maria Island and Darlington Probation Station. Click here to read and download our full article online for free.
To discover more about the Port Arthur & Tasman region, go to: http://www.tasmanregion.com.au