Port Arthur Blog

Blog

Summer Activities Guide

By Bay Retreat on December 16, 2013 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 22 December, 8.30pm

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

Boxing Day Woodchops

Thursday 26 December, commencing at 9am

One of Australia’s longest running sports carnivals, the event this year will include stalls and traditional kids’ sports activities.

Christmas Day Trading

We are open 10am - 3pm Christmas Day. The Harbour Cruises will not operate however there will be limited guided tours. The Gift Shop and Cafe will be open and there will be a reduced entry fee to the Site.
The Boxing Day Woodchopping Carnival at Port Arthur
Boxing Day Woodchopping Carnival at Port Arthur

Family Friendly Ghost Tours

28 December-26 January, 7:30 pm daily

Special family friendly PG- rated ghost tour designed with the younger visitor and their family in mind. For more information or to book: Historic Ghost Tour

Paranormal Investigation Experience

Due to popular demand the Paranormal Investigation Experience tours will be offered twice monthly during the warmer months of January, February &, March. For more information or to book: Paranormal Investigation Experience

Devonshire Tea at the Visiting Magistrates House

1-31 January, daily from 2.30-4pm excluding Saturdays

Refresh yourself in style at the gloriously refurbished mid-nineteenth century home that affords a magnificent vista over the grounds of the Port Arthur Historic Site. Premium Tasmanian beers and wines will be available.

$14 per person, reservations essential. Call 1800 659 101.

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

Family Fun Activities

26 December-26 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 1/4 size convict brick. Learn about early animation by assembling a phantascope or try your hand at making convict love tokens. Activities are offered in two sessions each day, 12–1.30pm and 2–3pm.  Check the information board downstairs in the Visitor Centre for today's activities.

Hidden Stories Activity Book

Pick up your free copy of the 'Hidden Stories' kids activity book at the ticketing counter. This book is a great way for kids aged 8 and above to discover the history of Port Arthur through activities and puzzles. Collect your free copy at the Visitors Centre upon arrival. Don't forget to collect your stamps along the way!
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-24 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

5-17 January daily, excluding Saturdays

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 5-10 January 1:30pm - 3:00pm opposite the Convict Church Bricks &, Mortar 12-17 January,2:00pm - 3:30pm at the Penitentiary

Port Arthur Champagne Cruise

Fridays and Saturdays, December 2013 - April 2014, 5:30pm

Ok, so the bubbles may not be the traditional French variety but the rest of this tour is the real deal! Join us for a relaxing 1 hour cruise of the waters surrounding the iconic Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy a glass of premium Tasmanian sparkling wine or beer and take in the sites from the comfortable and spacious MV Marana. A wonderful interlude for those staying on site for a Ghost Tour or just looking for a relaxed way to complete their day of exploring. Tickets available by phone 03 6223 1914, in person at Hobart or Port Arthur Visitor Information offices or online here.
The Harbour Cruise at Port Arthur is included in all daytime passes
Enjoy a twilight champagne harbour cruise at Port Arthur this summer

More information

  • Summer Activity pdf 2013-14 [PDF 628KB]Download this information sheet
  • 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.