The Crown ran a prison here from 1830 to 1877 for hardened convicts from the British Isles. The remote location made escape very difficult. The location is a major tourist destination and UNESCO site with special significance for the history of Australia. Around half of the once 60 buildings are still standing. Undesired behavior was punished here psychologically rather than physically. Individual prisoners were kept in complete isolation for extended periods, in the hope that they could fully reflect on their misdeeds, and reform. Eve had doubts about the worth of such a visit, but we came away very satisfied. The landscape is impressive. I bought a book describing the history of the First Fleet, the very first convoy of convicts to sail to Australia, in the gift-shop.
Tomorrow, sea day.
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