Spend the day discovering the exotic wildlife of Tasmania and learning about the dark days of Port Arthur as a brutal penal colony. Begin with a guided exploration of the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, a sanctuary where sick, injured and orphaned animals receive loving care from veterinarians and wildlife experts. You’ll see the pint-sized but fearless Tasmanian Devil, and might even enjoy the opportunity to hand feed an adorable kangaroo. Learn about the park’s efforts to protect and preserve the creatures that call Australia home. Afterwards, venture into Port Arthur, the former penal colony that imprisoned some 12,000 hardened criminals in the 1800s. This was Australia’s most feared prison where treatment was often less than humane. Learn about those who lived out their days in captivity and labored tirelessly to cut highly profitable timber. The ghosts of the past can still be felt on a tour of Port Arthur. HB36