Port Arthur is a small town and former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania. It is one of Australia's most significant heritage areas and the open air museum is officially Tasmania's top tourist attraction.br/br/From 1833, until 1853, it was the destination for the hardest of convicted British and Irish criminals, those who were secondary offenders having re-offended after their arrival in Australia. Rebellious personalities from other convict stations were also sent here which was an undesirable punishment.