Interpretation of a sensitive heritage site: the Port Arthur Memorial Garden, Tasmania

Abstract

This article explores the way an Australian site associated with a recent tragic event has been interpreted for the family and friends of the victims, and for the hundreds of tourists who visit the site each year. In particular, the article investigates the Memorial Garden at the Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania, established to commemorate the victims of a 1996 massacre. The article discusses the appropriateness of the interpretation of the site given its sensitive nature.

Keywords:

• dark tourism
• interpretation
• Port Arthur
• Tasmania