Hands-on History
Get to grips with Port Arthur’s fascinating stories with our special summer program of hands-on activities, all included in your Experience Pass.
Carved in Stone: the stonemasons who built Port Arthur
Many convicts played a part in building Port Arthur, some as skilled tradesmen and others as apprentices. Find out about their lives and try your hand at carving stone with our experienced Port Arthur team.
January 10, 12, 15, 17, 19 &, 26, 2pm at the Convict Church, one hour duration.
Numbers are limited, so get in early: all are welcome, but first preference will be given to children
Port Arthur Beneath Your Feet
Help our archaeologists discover the hidden history of Port Arthur. You’ll work with real archaeological artefacts to uncover the secret lives of Port Arthur’s convicts.
January 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20 &, 26, 2pm at the Policeman’s Residence (12pm on 26 January), one hour duration.
Numbers are limited, so get in early: all are welcome, but first preference to children
Unearthed! Archaeology at Port Arthur
Visit our exhibit and discover more about the archaeology of Port Arthur.
10 am–5 pm daily at the Policeman’s Residence,
Gardens of Exile
Port Arthur’s famous gardens tell stories of adapting to a new land, as well as a longing for the scenery and taste of home. Join our Gardens expert to walk the gardens and learn about their history and their conservation.
January 10, 12, 17 &, 19, meet at Visitors Centre clock at 3.15pm. 45 minutes’ duration
Numbers are limited, please reserve your place at the Visitors Centre ticketing desk.
Discover Port Arthur’s Furry and Feathered Fiends
Keep an eye out around Port Arthur for pigs, chickens, a cow, a horse and maybe something a bit more unexpected. Track down all of Port Arthur’s animals and learn their stories.
9-27 January. Activity sheets are available at the Visitors Centre, Commandants House or Junior Medical Officers House.
Family Fun Activities
More hands-on fun can be had with our family activities, make a miniature convict brick or a peg doll, and discover how families entertained themselves in the nineteenth century by making a phantascope.
26 December 2011 to January 26 2012, daily at the Accountant’s House
Activities will be offered during two sessions each day, from 12.00–1.30pm and 2.00–3.00pm.
Check the notice board at the Visitor Centre for full details of each day’s program.
Port Arthur History Plays
Each play is performed twice daily from Tuesday 27 December until Friday 27 January (except Saturdays and Sunday January 1).
The Man Who Threw a Stone, by Richard Davey.
As an old man, convict Dennis Collins found that a hunger strike was the only protest available to him.
Performed in the Separate Prison 11.45am &, 2.45pm.
Please be seated early as the Prison will close 2 minutes prior to performance to enable a prompt start.
The Shingle Strike, by David Young
The story of Irish poet Francis Macnamara’s endeavour to overcome the bullying tactics of an unscrupulous overseer.
Performed behind the Penitentiary at 12.30pm and 4.15pm (weather permitting)
A Boy’s Life, by Les Winspear
A London street kid is sent across the world to Point Puer. Will he escape his life of crime?
Performed behind the Penitentiary 1.15pm and 3.30pm (weather permitting)
CAST
The plays are produced and directed by Alan Andrews and performed by Alan with Bryony Geeves, Kai Raisbeck and John Harding.
Each play runs approximately 20 minutes.