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Martin Bryant

Martin John Bryant is an Australian mass murderer convicted for the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, in which 35 people were killed and 23 others injured.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Martin John Bryant is an Australian mass murderer convicted for the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, in which 35 people were killed and 23 others injured. He is serving 35 life sentences without the possibility of parole at Risdon Prison near Hobart. The massacre led to major changes in Australian gun laws.

Port Arthur massacre

Bryant is best known for the mass shooting at Port Arthur, a tourist site in Tasmania, where he killed 35 people and injured 23 others. The attack is regarded as one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australian history.

Trial and sentence

After initially pleading not guilty, Bryant later pleaded guilty to the murders and other charges. He was sentenced to 35 life terms without parole, to be served in prison in Tasmania.

Imprisonment

Bryant has remained in custody at Risdon Prison near Hobart. Public reporting describes him as being held in a maximum-security setting.

Impact on Australia

The Port Arthur massacre prompted sweeping gun law reforms in Australia, including tighter firearm restrictions and a national buyback scheme.

Key facts

  • Carried out the Port Arthur massacre on 28–29 April 1996 in Tasmania, killing 35 and injuring 23.
  • Pleaded guilty to 35 counts of murder and related offences.
  • Sentenced to 35 life sentences without parole.
  • Held at Risdon Prison near Hobart.
  • The massacre led to major changes in Australian gun laws.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Martin Bryant?
Martin Bryant is an Australian man convicted of carrying out the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania.
How many people were killed in the Port Arthur massacre?
Thirty-five people were killed and 23 others were injured.
What sentence is Martin Bryant serving?
He is serving 35 life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Where is Martin Bryant imprisoned?
He is imprisoned at Risdon Prison near Hobart, Tasmania.
What was the significance of the Port Arthur massacre?
It was a major national tragedy in Australia and helped drive significant firearm law reforms.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Bryant
    Supports: Birth date, identity, conviction, victim totals, and imprisonment details.
  2. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-28/port-arthur-massacre-in-australia
    Supports: Overview of the Port Arthur massacre, deaths, arrest, and sentencing.
  3. ABC News — https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-27/port-arthur-day-destruction-prompts-nation-to-vow-never-again/7356646
    Supports: Attack timeline, guilty plea, sentencing, and aftermath including gun law reforms.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-36136637
    Supports: Biographical context, notoriety, and imprisonment.
  5. Parliament of Australia — https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=566ace48-a996-4594-8066-d5d5a3217129&subId=299060
    Supports: Reference to the illegal acquisition of the firearm used.