Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour
The Isle of the Dead is a small island located in the harbour off Port Arthur. Between 1833 and 1877, around one thousand burials took pace there.
The Isle of the Dead guided walking tour is suitable for school groups who want to discover a different aspect of Port Arthur's history. The tour of the island enables students to gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who lived and died at Port Arthur. It is an especially good addition to the visit if some study has been undertaken prior to the excursion.
Tour duration, including ferry crossings, is approximately one hour.
Cost is $8.00 per student. Accompanying staff at student rate.
Point Puer Boys' Prison Tour
3,000 boys, some as young as nine years old, were sentenced to the Point Puer Boys' Prison. Located across the harbour from the main settlement at Port Arthur, it was the first reformatory built exclusively for juvenile male convicts in the British Empire. It was renowned for its regime of stern discipline and harsh punishment.
Tour duration, including ferry crossings, is approximately two hours.
The tour is not available during August.
Cost is $8.00 per student. Accompanying staff at student rate.
Safety and preparation are vital
Teachers considering taking students on the Point Puer Boys' Prison Tour should keep in mind that weather conditions are often more extreme at Point Puer than in the main area of Port Arthur. As Point Puer is exposed to the elements with no buildings, shelter or toilet facilities participants must be suitably dressed and equipped.
The tour itself lasts one hour (including ferry crossing) and requires walking on uneven terrain, some distance. We recommend this students are older primary or secondary and use the pre and post lessons plans, that complement this tour, to get the most from this experience.
Ghost Tour
As darkness falls, another side of Port Arthur emerges. Join our black-cloaked guides and venture out into the night by lamplight to hear vivid stories of strange occurences and inexplicable sightings.
- Our Ghost Tours depart every night except Christmas Day.
- Not recommended for primary-aged students
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Tour duration is approximately 90 minutes
- Please note that between October and April, tours may finish very late. We advise staying overnight in the local area.
Cost: $12 per student, accompanying staff at student rate
Please note that this rate will increase to $14 from 1 April 2013