Let me share with you a place which has been the source of much inspiration to me; Port Arthur.
After enjoying the picturesque 90 minute drive from Hobart passing luscious forests, windswept foreshores, pasturelands and quiet towns you will arrive at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a Penal Settlement from the 1800s. Many convicts from Britain were sent to Port Arthur as a solution to a lack of prisons and as a way to expand the British Empire.
Here many convicts from petty criminals to those who had committed serious crimes and repeat offenders suffered greatly although some were able to make a new life after receiving their 'ticket of leave.'
The sad history of Port Arthur Historic Site does not mute the rugged beauty of the ruins and the serene calm of the gardens. The Port Arthur Historic Site is a place at once desolate and beautiful.
On arrival it is recommended to take the 40 minute introductory guided walking tour where you will learn more about the site and the people who passed through. ( This tour is also available in Mandarin)
There are over 30 historic buildings and ruins to explore.
You will be surprised by the elegance of the furnishings in the restored Commandants House overlooking the bay. These furnishings provide insight into how the fortunate of this site lived. I am particularly enthralled by the beautiful craftsmanship of even mundane items.
Further down the hill are the imposing ruins of the iconic penitentiary. Here you will discover how the lives of the many convicts imprisoned in these walls played out.
Other restored buildings on the site provide insight to the lives of people trying to replicate the life they had left behind. Extensive and well preserved artefacts tell countless stories of the people and the times they lived in.
Once you have had your fill of the beautiful historic buildings and the tragic and moving stories that played out in them you will be refreshed by a walk in the Government Gardens. Designed with the ladies of the settlement in mind it has been reconstructed to resemble it's former glory. This garden contains plants from England as well as many other countries including Africa, Asia and South America.
A feature of the garden is the elegant four tiered fountain surrounded by historically accurate plant borders. Interestingly, the cottage gardens at Port Arthur also contain plants in keeping with the era of each cottage. Often the seeds are imported from the UK or are propagated from historically accurate plants onsite.
A ferry to the Isle of the Dead will have you veiwing Port Arthur from a different vantage.
The Port Arthur Historic Site is a fascinating place full of history and beauty. Maybe you will receive your inspiration here too!
Sources:
https://portarthur.org.au/history/landmarks/
https://portarthur.org.au/what-to-do/
https://portarthur.org.au/history/