History is for everyone and Port Arthur has welcomed families for many generations. If you are travelling with kids to Port Arthur, the site offers stories, activities and plenty of space to run around!
Tickets
Children aged 7-17 years and younger are eligible for a child ticket.
Those aged 6 years old and under are free, but still must have a ticket booked for them.
Family ticket options start from $120 and are valid for 1 or 2 adults and up to 6 children.
Entry tickets are valid for two consecutive days, which may make it easier to allow little legs to get around everywhere.
There is also the option of purchasing a Ticket of Leave upgrade, which will give the ticket holder / family free of charge site entry to Port Arthur and the Cascades Female Factory for two years.
Please see our Tour & Tickets page for more information.
Tour Options
Most of our tours are appropriate for children, however we do suggest using your discretion.
Ghost Tours are recommended for 14 years and over.
Please see individual tour details for further information on suitability for children.
Children do love the Harbour Cruise (included in your entry ticket) and will likely enjoy the tales of daring runaways on our optional extra Escape From Port Arthur tour.
Please see our Tour & Tickets page for more information.
Other Activities
Port Arthur Audio Experience
This is a free download (as part of your entry ticket) and shares insights and stories linking you with people and events across the site.
Visitor Gallery
The Gallery is located on the lower level of the Visitor Centre and is the best place to start your journey at Port Arthur. There is a large map, Welcome video and plenty of other information and it is from here that you can collect your playing card and a paper copy of your Visitor Guide. The card links to interpretation both in the gallery and out on site, and introduces you to some of the characters of the long history of Port Arthur, both as a prison settlement and post-1877.
Site Talks
Each day our expert guides will run short talks on a range of topics in various locations across the site. These change each day so you never know where you may end up or what you’ll learn!
School Holiday Activities
Previous activities have included scavenger hunts, peg doll making, story time, archaeology information sessions and short tours or walks. These change each holidays, so please keep an eye out on our Events page or social media pages.
Museum Houses, Ruins & Gardens
There are over 40 hectares of grounds and over 30 buildings and structures within that we look after at Port Arthur. There are both play and contemplative spaces, with beautiful gardens and abundant wildlife (including dozens of bird species) for those with a keen eye for flora and fauna and walks for those with a bit more energy.
Other Information
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located in the Visitor Centre and Museum Cafe/Asylum as well as on the boat. Other toilets can be found behind the Parsonage and Policeman’s House (please see our Site Map for where these buildings are).
The Parenting / Change Room is located on the lower level of the Visitor Centre.
If you need to stop on the way from nipaluna/Hobart there are also public toilets at Sorell, Dunalley and Murdunna.
Food & Drinks
Grab N Go snacks as well as meals are available at the Port Arthur Cafe from 9am, within the Visitor Centre. We are able to cater for various food intolerances and requirements – please ask a staff member for assistance.
A snack vending machine is located at the entry to the Visitor Gallery.
During the peak summer season, a food & coffee van is located on site.
For your special occasion, or even just for a delicious dinner for the family, 1830 Restaurant & Bar is open Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm for drinks and 5pm for food.
Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and drink.
Be Prepared
As we’ve mentioned, it’s a big site. And it’s Tasmania. Please come prepared for the weather and for it to change suddenly. UV rates can be very high / extreme in Summer, even if it’s cloudy, Spring comes with wind and Winter means you need to learn the art of layering. Pack a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes and your raincoat.
With the extensive grounds and distances between some buildings, we do recommend bringing a pram for young children (although please note that some museum houses are only accessible by stairs).
Severe weather may mean changes to what we can offer, and we advise people to avoid trees in high winds, but generally the site will remain open. Check our website and Facebook page for updates on closures.
Phone & Internet Reception
Port Arthur Historic Site is part of the Tasmanian Government Free Wi-Fi service. Visitors can connect by selecting “TasGov_Free” from the list of available networks on their device, which will give you 30 minutes of access.
Phone reception is generally available on the grounds, although it can be intermittent with some providers.
