What’s special about Taranna?
At the Tasmanian Devil Park you can watch Tassie devils fight it out during feeding time and be mesmerised by the sea eagle show. The park is dedicated to wildlife protection and rescue, and also has extensive breeding programs.
For the sweet tooth, the Federation Chocolate Factory is a must. Watch through viewing windows as the fine handmade chocolates are made, and be tempted by flavours including apple and licorice. While you are there, be sure to visit the Federation Heritage Museum, rich in convict history and blacksmithing and saw-milling artifacts.
The weather on the Tasman Peninsula is affected by the winds coming off Frederick Henry Bay, so remember, no matter what time of year you visit; bring a warm jacket and all weather gear.
More things to do:
Bushwalking
The story of Taranna:
During the height of the Port Arthur penal settelement, Taranna was the terminus for a human railway which ran between the jetty at Little Norfolk Bay and the prison. It was designed to carry passengers and supplies unloaded at Norfolk Bay and saved the ships the hazardous journey around Cape Raoul. It was the first railway in Australia and probably the only one using human horsepower along the seven kilometre line.
Travel directions:
Taranna is approximately 90-minutes’ drive south-east (89 kilometres/55 miles) Hobart on the A9 Highway.