Living in Tasmania, there is a lot of real life history around us that dates back to the convict era. That is why we decided in early December, that we would research and look at Australian Convict History, and in particular Tasmanian convict life and settlements.

One of our field trips so far has involved visiting Richmond Gaol, in the Town of Richmond, around 20 or so kilometres out of Hobart. This field trip proved to be so educational that I have started to really explore the history of the Tasmanian convict era in order to ensure that our homeschooling experience in one of fun, learning and opportunities to see first hand real life convict settlements within Tasmania.

In 2009, we will be delving deeper into the theme of Australian Convicts and will be visiting a number of historic convict places in Tasmania to help us gain a greater understanding of how they lived, what they endured and why may people where sent to Australia as convicts.

According to www.tourismtasmania.com.au tasmania has the following convict sites:

Sarah Island – The ruins of the once notorious Sarah Island penal settlement (1822-1833) can be experienced by cruise from the fishing port of Strahan on Macquarie Harbour. The island is a part of a vast tract of Tasmanian wilderness protected under World Heritage status.

Port Arthur Historic Site - The Port Arthur Historic Site (on 125 hectares/309 acres) today is a world-class tourist attraction, with an interactive visitor centre and more than 30 historic buildings and ruins, set within beautiful gardens and native surroundings.

Tasman Peninsula Convict Trail – takes in seven locations in an area where Tasmania’s convict history is most concentrated. They include: Eaglehawk Neck, site of the famed Dog Line; the Coal Mines; Saltwater River and Wedge Bay. The Trail includes spectacular land formations along the coastline of the Tasman National Park. Read about the Tasman Peninsula’s convict past.

The Female Factory, Hobart – considered the female equivalent to Port Arthur: hundreds of women and children were gaoled there from 1828-1877, with many dying from poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition and backbreaking work. Female Factory Website.

Richmond – the majority of this historic town appears much as it would have done in the mid-nineteenth century, when convict labour was derigetour. The gaol, built in 1825, housed prisoners, including bushranger Martin Cash. Although tiny compared with Port Arthur’s immense scale, the gaol at Richmond is unique as the buildings and cells are intact and eerily reminiscent of their torturous past. Richmond has Australia’s oldest road bridge, built by convict labour in 1823.

Therefore these are the ones that we will be including into our learning and Field Trip experiences over the next 12 months.

Other Interesting Articles

Home Educational Resources – Books about Australian Convict History

Homeschool Happenings – Australian Early Settlers and Convict History

Today has been one of those days where everything we had planned has gone out the window and the children have decided what it is that they really wish to do and learn.

It started out with us all curled up in bed this morning reading books to each other, one, two three, four, five , six and more. As each book was finished another one was started, and we all just cuddled up underneath the warmth of the doona and enjoyed each others company.

After about 1 1/2 hours we decided it was probably time to get up and have some breakfast. The funny part was not one of us could agree to eat the same things, so one had fruit, the other cereal and another jam, butter (sandwiches). Once breakfast was over NIK ventured down into the computer room and started playing her learning games on her computer. SZG has just spent a number of days fixing this for her and NIK is very excited to be able to have her own computer back again.

JAHG morning activity was to watch a six part series that we have borrowed from the Library. It is called ‘The Colony’ and is about a series of families who venture back into 1800 conditions in New South Wales and learn to live as the early settlers did. In the beginning they view the task as an adventure, but quickly they realise that the living conditions (or lack of them) followed by the rations, weather, hard work and lifestyle are nothing to be excited about.

The series is made in a documentary style, that is easy to watch and enjoyable. It takes real life people from 2004 to the early 1800′s. The friendships formed, the struggles faced and the adversities are all what one would imagine would be common in this time period. JAHG has enjoyed the series so far. Initially we were going to watch one hour episode a day for 6 days, but we have watched three episodes so far. JAHG is intrigued by the rough conditions, the hard work and lifestyles of the early settlers and convicts. We have discussed things such as how the white man came and took over the indigenous peoples land and how they disregarded their culture and lifestyle. We have discussed the laws of the time and how conditions for convicts  have changed and how people who do wrong within society are dealt with. During the series the historian and families refer to times and happenings that are not always explained in great details as we assume that they feel those watching will have a little understanding of what they refer to. This too has lead to further discussion between JAHG and I, and to JAHG seeking further input and using the internet to continue her learning and to research further.

The series has opened JAHG’S eyes and mind to a world that one would not really be able to envisage. JAHG is now even more excited of the prospect that we will visit the Port Arthur and continue to learn about our Convict history and Early settlers in Australia…

So our Journey Continues…

Home Educational Resources – Books about Australian Convict History

Homeschooling – Australian Convict History.