Planning your visit

Port Arthur Historic Site is huge, and there is a lot to see. Your site entry is valid for two consecutive days, so we recommend staying overnight in the Port Arthur area to ensure you and your students get the most from your stay.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is open seven days a week from 9:00am until 5:00pm (closed Christmas Day).

School experiences are available on weekdays, during the school term.

School activity outside these hours is subject to availability of our staff and may incur extra costs.

All school bookings must be made at least 6 weeks prior to your preferred excursion date. Our programs do sell out. So please make your booking early.

• Hat, sunscreen, a warm jumper and raincoat.
• Closed-toe shoes, suitable for walking.
• Water bottle.
• Curiosity.

Leave large backpacks and bags at school or on the bus. They will just get in the way.

Sunscreen, hats and wet-weather ponchos can also be purchased in our Gift Shop.

Their is a Cafe in our Food outlets are located in the Visitor Centre with a wide selection of food, snacks and drinks.

Catering for lunch can be pre-ordered.

Click here to view or download our school catering menu options.

Catering for dinner is only available for large groups of over 60 people, Wednesday through Saturday.

If you are bringing your own food for your school group, we ask that you arrange your own storage.

Please send us your booking requests as early as possible, to ensure the availability of tours and activities.

Please note also the important information provided below:

• Guidelines and Conduct 2023
• Venue and Safety Information for School Excursions
• Public Liability Certificate of Currency 2023-2024
• COVID Safety Plan

Want to learn more?
To discuss how to get the most out of your visit to Port Arthur, contact our Education team.

Mobility

The Port Arthur Historic Site is extensive and covers a range of terrain. Some areas offer independent wheelchair access, while others may require assisted access.

Our Visitor Centre, café, and the Port Arthur Gallery are all wheelchair accessible via ramps or elevator. Accessible bathroom facilities are also available within the Visitor Centre.

While not all heritage buildings and ruins on the site are wheelchair accessible, a number of buildings can be accessed by visitors who require the use of a wheelchair. Check with our Visitor Services staff for more information.

Our Guided Education Tours and Harbour Cruise are wheelchair accessible. However, the Ghost Tours, and Point Puer Boys’ Prison tours include rough or uneven terrain and are not recommended for people with mobility restrictions. The Isle of Dead Tour requires assisted access.

Disabled parking spaces are located adjacent to the Visitor Centre.

Wheelchairs are available for loan from the Visitor Centre.

If someone in your group has mobility restrictions, please advise us of this when filling out the online booking request form.

Companion Card

Some people with a disability are accompanied by a companion or carer when they visit venues or events. Port Arthur Historic Site is proud to be affiliated with the Companion Card Program, which offers a second ticket or tour pass at no cost to patrons holding a Companion Card.