We arrived at slightly after 4pm to check-in to Port Arthur Motor Inn. Saw the signage from the road and made a turn.
The check-in counter was at their restaurant so we went over and got the keys and our room numbers. I opted for the Queen Room or otherwise known as "Officer Row" for SGD134 (AUD155) booked via Agoda. I was at Room 8.
The rooms are all lined up in a row and one could park their vehicle right at the door step. It has an old school feels to it. The shower was alright and cleanliness can be improved, otherwise it was a comfortable stay. Am grateful for the in-room air-conditioning unit that can be turned into a heater when temperatures dropped at night.
There's a kettle, some instant coffee and tea bags in the room.
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| Queen Room |
There is no breakfast service at this place and we were informed during check-in. No worries as one could do a short drive out for breakfast. We made reservations prior to arrival for dinner at their restaurant.
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| enjoying the outdoor terrace |
There is a door that leads out to the terrace/balcony and one should keep it locked during windy days. Otherwise, it was lovely to enjoy the breeze and some sun in the morning. The terrace connects to all other rooms, so probably not a good idea to appear in your jammies unless you don't mind your neighbours having a view of that. Hahaa!
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| restaurant (before dinner service) |
Before dinner, we drove out to Port Arthur Historic Site to purchase the tickets for tonight's Ghost Tour (AUD35 per pax).
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| Port Arthur Historic Site |
Didn't research on Ghost Tour prior so, I agreed because the rest of the group wanted to go for one. We signed-up for the 8.15pm tour, and hence, dinner at 630pm. There's a souvenir/gift shop at the Historic Site so one could browse for cute gifts or buy a book on the Ghost Tour. Interestingly, the power went off once when we were there.
Ok, we went back to rest abit in our rooms and then re-grouped for dinner. It was already dark by then.
We placed our orders and it took about half hour for our food to be served. I opted for the entree sized Grilled Chicken tacos and whoa, it was a good choice! Flavourful, with lovely chunky chicken pieces and lovely crunchy slaw, wrapped in soft taco.
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| Grilled Chicken Tacos @AUD12 |
The mains that the others were having were beautifully presented too. Generous portions! Only drawback, Shermaine's salmon didn't come till much much later because a different order was sent to our table. Staff was apologetic about that but Shermaine was pretty chill about it since we still have enough time before the Ghost Tour starts.
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| Cape Grim Beef Brisket @AUD35 |
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| Grilled Tasmania Salmon @AUD34 |
The Cape Grim Beef Brisket were served with chunky root vegetables and roasted sweet potatoes. The beef was tender and the jus, was charmingly homely. But I think I prefer my coleslaw more than the boiled vege. But the roasted sweet potatoes were lovely and sweet.
Salmon was of a good size, well cooked with crisp skin.
Alas, I didn't realize that there was another menu for the specials of the day. More options for diner!
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| remember to check the board specials |
We were satisfied with the meal and made payment at the Bar counter. If one is late to the restaurant, there'll be no food as the kitchen would've been closed by then. One of the staff that we met that day, was finishing up as she has to make the trip out of the area to go back home.
We went back to the Ghost Tour meeting point to await for our guide and also to use the washroom there first as the tour would last for about 90 minutes and covering around 2km walk. Hence, wear comfy shoes as well as layer up as the night time temperature that day was expected to dip below 10 degrees. Do note that umbrella usage is not permitted during the tour. Our tour group was about 12-15 pax if not wrong.
Guide was a tall guy and he would be holding one lantern while two other participants would be holding one lantern each to light up the way. His walking pace was brisk, so I had to catch up with my short legs as I needed the light to see the path. Hahaha, luckily Shermaine was holding the other lantern so most of the time, I'd be following her instead.
It was drizzling slightly on that day, so we walked about in light rain and made stops along the way to listen to the stories of yesteryears when Port Arthur was still a settlement for convicts. It was a harsh environment, a penal colony that could break even the toughest convicts.
Our first stop was at the Church built by convicts. So imagine, night time, illuminated only by the stars and a few lanterns and one hear stories on accidents, deaths and mystery there. Did I move away when the guide pointed at my direction and said, that was where......you bet I did!
Next stop was at the Reverend house and this was where I got the chills. We spent quite a bit of time there before moving on to the next location. Imagine all huddled up in a room to listen to the unusual activities that happened in that same room or same house...
I was happy to move on to the next location and that was the isolation cells or separate prison. The stories here were the saddest and also, seemed closer as there were recent incidents at this place.
We ended our tour safely and it was time to go back to our inn.
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| stars in the sky |
I thought I heard an unusual sound outside of my door that night but fortunately, nothing else happened.
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| morning at the Historic Site |
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| morning view from the restaurant |
We went to check-out at 9am and staff kindly let us into the restaurant's terrace to take some photos before we leave. Thank you!
Port Arthur Motor Inn & Restaurant
Address: 29 Safety Cove Rd, Port Arthur TAS 7182, Australia
Website: http://www.portarthur-inn.com.au/
Business Hours:
Check-in time: 1:00 pm
Check-out time: 10:00 am
Restaurant Hours: 5pm to 7.30pm
Port Arthur Ghost Tour
Website: https://portarthur.org.au/
Tour Times:
Wed - Sun: 7pm, 8:30pm and 9pm (do refer to their website for any time change)
Then, we went to a nearby General Store to grab some quick bites before we move to our next location.
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| Port Arthur General Store |
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| sweets |
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| drinks |
We ordered what we liked and I opted for a muffin with sunny side up. Staff was nice to ask if I would like the ready-made ones as there's one already done up or would I like a freshly fry up? I opted to wait a bit for a new fry up.
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| bacon potato pie |
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| ooh, there's minced meat inside |
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| curried scallops pie (again?) |
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| chicken pie |
The best tasting pie from the General Store, was the chicken pie! Lovely flavours and good portion of ingredients.
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| The Works @AUD25 |
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| Bacon and Egg Muffin @AUD7 |
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| with ketchup |
My breakfast tasted homecooked and I liked it. The coffee here though, was not something that I'd order again. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Port Arthur General Store & Takeaways
Address: 6959 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur TAS 7182, Australia
Business Hours:
Daily: Sunday, 7 am–8 pm
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