To celebrate the MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2013, you are invited to join us for an exclusive cruising tour to explore Port Arthur's maritime heritage and dockyard.The tour will include rare access to buildings and collections not normally open to the public, as well as guests speakers, lunch, all transport and a special gift.Places are limited - so please book your ticket without delay.
Plan You Visit:
- Book online with Navigators [external link]
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to explore Port Arthur's maritime history and dockyard, with rare access to buildings and artifacts that are not usually open to the public.
The Master Shipwrights House at Port Arthur's Dockyard
History
Today the Port Arthur Dockyard area is silent and almost empty. But if you had been here between 1834 and 1848, you would have found the busiest and most productive ship yard in Van Diemen’s Land.
Here, convict labourers crafted hundreds of whaleboats, ship’s’ buoys, brigantines and barques for private and government customers. One of only three dockyards in the British Empire to have used convict labour to build the yard and the ships, it is also the best preserved.
The Tour
Depart from Brooke St Pier on the Hobart waterfront and cruise on the Marana, past the soaring sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, including the stunning Cape Raoul.
Marana passes Cape Raoul
Upon arrival at Port Arthur you will be treated to an introductory tour of the World Heritage listed Site and explore the buildings and ruins, museum houses and convict gallery.
Continue your journey with a special tour of Port Arthur's Dockyard, including rare access to the1834 Master Shipwright's House and Clerk of Works' House. View an excusive exhibition including the dockyard model and fascinating archeological material excavated from the site.
Special guest speakers will offer insights into the operation, heritage and conservation of the dockyard and the importance of the traditional trade of boat building.
Lunch is included and will feature an array of tasty treats, a fresh baked baguette, selection of cold meats and salad with some Tasmanian fruit juice to quench your thirst.
Special gift
Clerk of Works House, Port Arthur Dockyard
Each tour participant will receive a gift copy of
A Harbour Large Enough to Admit a Whole Fleet - The Maritime History and Archaeology of Port Arthur prior to your transfer back to Hobart by coach.
This is a very limited offer so don't miss your chance to reserve a spot!
Details:
When: Friday 8 or Sunday 10 February, departing 8:15, returning to Hobart by 5pm
Where: Tour departs and returns to Brooke Street Pier, Hobart Waterfront
Cost: Adult: $147:00 Child (4 years+): $121.00: Family $495.00 (2 x adults / 2 x children)
Bookings: Phone Navigators on +61 (0)3 6223 1914 or www.navigators.net.au
Guest Speakers:
Friday 8 February - Dr Jane Harrington, Director of Conservation &, Infrastructure at Port Arthur
Sunday 10 February - Mr Mike Nash, Maritime Archeologist, Parks &, Wildlife Service