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