For some survivors, it will be their first visit to Port Arthur in 20 years.
A commemorative service today will mark the two-decade anniversary since a lone gunman went on a rampage at the historic tourist site, killing 35 people and wounding 23 others.
While some people linked to the massacre want to forget and will stay away, the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority said there has been strong community interest in holding a dignified commemoration.
Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman will be among those attending the open-invitation service and has recalled with sorrow the events of April 28, 1996 which changed Australia forever.
“While many wounds have healed with time, there are others that will never,” he told AAP.
“Today is also a time when we again look to find sense in the senseless.”
Tasmanians and Australians acted in unison in the aftermath, with emergency service workers and politicians of all persuasions, working together with compassion and empathy.
“The resilience of Tasmanians in the face of the unspeakable united us,” Mr Hodgman said.
“What happened that day will never define us, but the way we responded does.”
Then-prime minister John Howard will also attend today’s service.
In response to the massacre Mr Howard acted quickly to tighten Australia’s gun laws in a move still widely applauded by sections of Australia.
Several hundred people are expected to attend Thursday’s service, which is due to start at 12.30pm (AEST) and include a keynote address, choral singing, poetry and a wreath laying.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten are expected to attend.
“The Port Arthur massacre affected each of us in a different way, but it changed something in all of us,” Mr Hodgman said.
“Just as we stood together then, we stand together today.”
