26 Sept - 12 Oct

Explore and discover more about Port Arthur Historic Site these school holidays with two very special programs for families.

Our programs are designed for families to enjoy together. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

School holiday programs are free with site entry but places are strictly limited – please reserve your spot in advance by emailing reservations@portarthur.org.au or calling 1800 659 101

CONVICT LIVES

Monday 26 September, Monday 3 October and Monday 10 October

Wednesday 28 September, Wednesday 5 October and Wednesday 12 October

11.30am-12.15pm

Families are invited to pull up a cushion and settle in for a storytime session about one of the convicts who spent time at Port Arthur. What did he do to deserve such a fate? And what was life like for him here?

You will then be transported back in time to experience one of the jobs convicts worked while serving time at Port Arthur – making bricks. Discover how convicts made bricks and some of the interesting ‘clues’ that have been left behind in the walls they built. Families will work together to make their own mini-sized versions of convict bricks to take home as a memento!

Perfect for the budding historian. Come along for a hands-on, slightly messy, history lesson.

NATURE WALK

Tuesday 27 September, Tuesday 4 October and Tuesday 11 October

11.30am-12.15pm

Explore the natural wonders of Port Arthur Historic Site this school holiday on this very special nature walk for families.

Join Conservation Project Officer, Dr. Caitlin Vertigan on this illuminating ‘walk and talk’ where we will learn about the animals who call Port Arthur home and their surprising link to convict times.  We will take a closer look at what the animals leave behind and find out what their scats can tell us!

Perfect for the budding scientist. Come along to see a different side of the Port Arthur Historic Site.

About your guide:

Dr. Caitlin Vertigan has a multidisciplinary background that spans the breadth of the natural sciences as well as many years spent working in historic cultural heritage and tourism.  She is currently responsible for supporting the management of the natural environment administered by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA), where she focuses on navigating the complex interplay between cultural and natural values.  One of her current core projects is on assisting to develop sound and practical management responses to the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage sites.