The first passenger railway in Australia was constructed here in 1836 to make it easier and safer to transport passengers and goods from Hobart Town to Port Arthur, by avoiding the sea route round Cape Raoul. From Norfolk Bay (now Taranna) to Long Bay (now Oakwood) the wagons would run on timber rails and carry up to half a ton. The railway followed an ambitious route through the bush and on the downhill stretch the wagons could reach alarming speeds.