The Port Arthur Historic Site is open to the public 7 days a week from 9:00am – 5:00pm (closed Christmas Day).

Our education programs are available Monday to Friday. Requests for programs on weekends are subject to availability and may incur extra costs.

Below you will find important information available for download.

• Venue and Safety Information for Schools (Risk Assessment Guide)
• Public Liability Certificate of Currency 2023-2024
• Guidelines and Conduct for Schools
• COVID-19 Safety Plan
• Child and Youth Safe Organisation

Port Arthur is a large outdoor site. It is important that students dress to the conditions on the day and are prepared for any sudden changes in the weather.

• Wear layered clothing
• Wear enclosed shoes suitable for walking and uneven surfaces
• Bring a windproof raincoat
• Bring a hat and sunscreen; and
• Bring a water bottle.

It is recommended that students bring only the items they require for the day – we do not have cloaking facilities on site. Bags and other personal belongings should not be left unattended. PAHSMA is not responsible for loss or theft of personal property which has been left unattended.

Hats, sunscreen, and wet weather ponchos are available for purchase in our Gift Shop (open 10.00am – 5.00pm).

Buses and coaches can drop-off passengers directly in front of the Visitor Centre. Bus and coach parking is available in the designated areas along the side of the main carpark.

The Port Arthur Café, open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm, is located on the upper level of the Visitor Centre and offers a wide selection of hot food, sandwiches and wraps, snacks, and drinks.

The Museum Café, open daily from 11:00am – 3.00pm, is located at the Asylum and has a selection of snacks and drinks.

Groups of 20 or more can request options from our School Catering Menu. Group catering requests must be received with a minimum of 7 days’ notice from the date of your visit and can be arranged with the Education team when making your booking.

Students are more than welcome to bring their own food; however, groups are responsible transporting and storing this food throughout the day.

Our tour guides and education staff are responsible for facilitating your program.

Teachers and other accompanying adults are required to remain with their group at all times to supervise students. We require a minimum of 1 teacher/adult supervisor for every 10 students for this purpose.

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, including the Port Arthur Café and Gallery, is wheelchair accessible via ramps or elevator. The harbour cruise is also wheelchair accessible. Accessible bathroom facilities are located in the Visitor Centre, Asylum, and near the Clerk of Works’ House in the Dockyard area.

While some of our historic buildings and ruins can be accessed via wheelchair, groups are advised that many areas of the site are difficult to access for those with mobility issues. Please contact our Education team for more information so that we can best support your visit. Wheelchairs are also available for loan from the Visitor Centre.

If your students have any other access needs, please let us know when making a booking.

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. For more information about our Child and Youth Safe organisation click here.

Please ensure that you read and understand the booking terms and conditions for education groups visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to get the most out of your visit to Port Arthur, please contact our Education team.