Port Arthur Blog

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Summer Activities Guide

By Bay Retreat on December 16, 2012 in
This summer, Port Arthur has a range of great activities that allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the stories of site’s past.
Kids, large and small can try their hand at the traditional Port Arthur trades of stone masonry and brick laying, our range of family fun activities will be on offer and our ever popular History Plays return.

Carols by Candlelight

Sunday 23 December, 8.30pm

Join the traditional carol signing in the convict church at Port Arthur.

Boxing Day Woodchops

Wednesday 26 December , commencing at 10am

One of Australia’s longest running sports carnivals, the event this year will include stalls and traditional kids’ sports activities.
The Boxing Day Woodchopping Carnival at Port Arthur
Boxing Day Woodchopping Carnival at Port Arthur

High Tea at the Visiting Magistrates House

30 December-31 January, daily from 2.30-4pm

Experience a taste of the finer things in life, in the elegant surroundings of the beautifully restored Visiting Magistrates residence at Port Arthur. Enjoy afternoon tea with fresh baked scones, jam and cream, handmade petite fours and gourmet sandwiches.

$29 per person, reservations essential. Call 1800 659 101.

Experience High Tea at the Visiting Magistrates House at Port Arthur
Experience High Tea at the Visiting Magistrates House at Port Arthur

Family Fun Activities

26 December-27 January daily

Spend some time at our Education Centre and try your hand at some traditional crafts, design work and trades.  Make your own peg doll or replica ¼ size convict brick.  Learn about early animation by assembling a phantascope or discover early wallpaper design by creating some yourself. Activities are offered in two sessions each day, 12–1.30pm and 2–3pm.  Check our website for session details. Collect a Furry and Feathered Fiends activity sheet from the Visitor Centre and seek out some of the sites more interesting characters hidden all around Port Arthur.
Peg doll making is one of our popular activities for children at the Port Arthur Historic Site
Making peg dolls is one of the popular pastime in which families can join in as part of Port Arthur's Family Activities program.

Port Arthur History Plays

27 December-25 January daily except Saturdays

A scene from A Boys Life, performed at Port Arthur at Easter 2012
A scene from A Boys Life, performed at Port Arthur at Easter 2012

The Man Who Threw a Stone

By Richard Davey.

Performed in the Separate Prison at 11.45am &, 2.45pm. Please be seated early to allow a prompt start.

The Shingle Strike

by David Young

Performed behind the Penitentiary at 12.30pm and 4.15pm (weather permitting)

A Boy’s Life

by Les Winspear

Performed behind the Penitentiary at 1.15pm and 3.30pm (weather permitting) This year, the plays are produced and directed by Chris Hamley. Each play runs approximately 20 minutes.

Stonemasonry was an important convict trade at Port Arthur

Traditional Trades

6–20 January daily

Many Convicts played a part in building Port Arthur, some as skilled tradesmen and others as apprentices.  Find out about these trades and what it means for conserving the site today. Kids large and small can try their hand at the traditional Port Arthur trades of stone masonry and brick laying.  Work with our experienced conservation staff and learn how convicts carved stone and laid bricks. Sessions will run for an hour and a half daily excluding Saturdays. Carved in stone – Stone Masonry @ Port Arthur January 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 &, 13, 1:30pm - 3:00pm near the Convict Church Bricks &, Mortar - Conserving the Rose Cottage Ruin January 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 &, 20, 1:30pm - 3:00pm at the Rose Cottage Ruin – Senior Military Officer’s Quarters on your map

More information

  • Boxing Day WoodchopsEvery Boxing Day for the last 100 years or so, Port Arthur has hosted one of Australia's oldest continuing sporting carnivals.
  • Family fun activitiesA range of fun - and educational - family activities, including convict-era crafts, pastimes and games, offered by our Education Officer and guides.
  • History PlaysA series of three short plays, each exploring an aspect of Port Arthur's history in an entertaining and engaging way.