The Port Arthur Historic Site offers many activities for families to enjoy together. Wander through the old houses and let the kids marvel at the way people used to live, or drop by our Education Centre to see what’s happening.

There is enough to keep both the young and old occupied!

 School Holiday Activities 26 December – 26 January

From 12pm to 3pm you can drop in to the Education Centre (The Accountant’s House) to engage in interactive displays, play 19th century games, or take part in one of our hands-on activities such as making a convict tattoo, dressing a peg doll, designing a convict love token or writing and wax-sealing a Victorian-style letter. Visitors can also relax with a convict themed book or activity sheet, or challenge their friends and family to a colonial game on the lawn. See the timetable below for a full schedule of activities.

Convict Tattoos
Over 37% of male convicts who were transported were recorded as having at least one tattoo. Discover the hidden meanings behind convict body art and make your own temporary tattoo.

Peg Dolls
A child in the 1800s had to entertain themselves with the materials that were available. Learn about costume and toys for children in the Victorian era and create a peg doll to take home.

Signed & Sealed
Discover the etiquette of 19th century letter-writing and try your hand at writing a letter in copperplate calligraphy. Visitors will also learn how to fold their letter to keep it secret and apply a traditional wax seal.

Convict Love Tokens
Before they were transported across the seas, many convicts made a token for their loved ones to remember them by. Find out more about these personal mementos and make your own copper  token to take home.

More information
Visiting with Children