Port Arthur - Opening hours and tour times

Visitor Services

This Grandfather Clock is a striking colonial artefact in one of the historic homes at Port Arthur

A grandfather clock, in the Commandant's House at the Port Arthur Historic Site(Credit: PAHSMA - Photo by Peter Whyte, 2005)

Opening hours and tour times

The Port Arthur Historic Site is open every day of the year, and our tours operate regularly.

However, if you are planning to arrive late in the day, you may not have time to visit all of our sites or undertake the tours and experiences you wish to.

All daytime passes to the Port Arthur Historic Site are valid for entry on two consecutive days. So rather than rushing, plan to stay overnight in the area and return the next day for a closer look.

Plan You Visit:

Port Arthur Historic Site grounds and gardens

The Port Arthur Historic Site, gardens and ruins are open from 9am until dusk.

Houses and buildings

Museum houses and buildings are open between 9.30am and 5pm

Some houses are open later during the summer months. Please check with our Visitor Services staff for more information.

Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre is open from 9am until the close of Historic Ghost Tours at night.

Port Cafe

The Port Cafe is open for breakfast from 9am and is open until after dinner, approximately 8.30pm

Felons Bistro

Felons Bistro serves delicious meals featuring local produce every evening from 5pm until late

Museum Coffee Shop

The Museum Coffee Shop is open for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Enjoy a coffee and cake or a light meal with a glass of wine.

Guided tours

Our Introductory Tours operate at scheduled times every day between 9am and 4pm. Check with our Visitor Services staff or call +61 (0)3 6251 2313 for details.

The Point Puer Boy’s Prison Tour departs daily from the jetty. Please note that this tour does not operate from mid-July until mid-September. Check with our Visitor Services staff or call +61(0)3 6251 2313 for details.

Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tours depart from the jetty at scheduled times during the day. Check with our Visitor Services staff or call +61(0)3 6251 2313 for details.

Historic Ghost Tours depart several times each evening after sunset. Check with our Visitor Services staff or call +61 (0)3 6251 2313 for details.

Christmas Day

The Port Arthur Historic Site is open on Christmas Day (December 25) between 9 am and 3.30 pm, with limited services.

The gardens and grounds are a delightful place for a festive picnic lunch.

Services available on Christmas Day include the Port Café in the Visitor Centre and the Gift Shop, which is open from 10 am until 3 pm.

Introductory tours are also available.

On Christmas Day, tours to Point Puer and the Isle of the Dead, the Harbour Cruise and Historic Ghost Tours do not operate. The Museum Coffee Shop is also closed.

Special pricing applies for admission for the day—please call 1800 659 101 for details.

Coal Mines Historic Site

The Coal Mines Historic Site is open daily. No bookings are required and entry is free.

Make sure you pick up a Coal Mines Historic Site visitor guide from the Visitor Centre at Port Arthur before you depart for the Coal Mines.