Family-Friendly Adventures in Port Arthur, Tasmania!

Port Arthur Penitentiary

Why Visit?

Embark on a fascinating historical journey with your family to the Port Arthur Penitentiary, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site nestled on the scenic Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia.

Getting There

Port Arthur is approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Hobart. Rent a car for a scenic route via the A9 highway, enjoying Tasmania"s picturesque landscapes. Public transport options are limited, but organized tours often include transport from major hotels in Hobart.

Morning - Exploring the Site

Start your visit early at the Visitor Centre to collect your tickets and a map. Begin with a guided walking tour, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the haunting history of this former convict settlement to life. Learn about the harsh conditions and the stories of both convicts and guards who lived here between 1833 and 1877.

Midday - Harbour Cruise

Take a break and enjoy a relaxing 25-minute harbour cruise around the Isle of the Dead. The cruise offers stunning views of the Penitenary and a unique perspective of its isolation, which was a crucial part of its security. The boat is equipped with fascinating audio commentary about the site’s history and its natural surroundings.

Afternoon - Family Ghost Tour and Interactive Experiences

In the afternoon, delve into the Junior Medical Officer"s House that now serves as an interactive museum. Here, kids can dress up in period costumes and learn through hands-on activities about the daily lives of the people who once inhabited the site. Wrap up your visit with the famously eerie Ghost Tour, suitable for families, which highlights mysterious occurrences and spooky tales, captivating both adults and children alike.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Port Arthur had one of the first boys" prisons? The site was ahead of its time in its approach to separate juvenile offenders from adult convicts, focusing on education and reform.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and immerse your family in the gripping tales and beautiful landscapes of Port Arthur Penitentiary for a memorable day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Port Arthur

Why Visit?

Embark on an enriching family journey to Port Arthur, Tasmania, a place steeped in history and natural beauty. Start your adventure by driving or taking a direct bus from Hobart, approximately 90 minutes away, to this stunning locale nestled on the Tasman Peninsula.

Day 1: Port Arthur Historic Site

Begin at the Port Arthur Historic Site, arriving early to beat the crowds. Purchase the Family Pass which includes a guided walking tour and a harbor cruise. The site opens at 9:00 AM, giving you a full day to explore. Learn about the convict past of this former penal colony and the stories of those who lived there through engaging, kid-friendly tales shared by knowledgeable guides. Highlight for kids: Board the harbor cruise to see the site from the waters and visit the Isle of the Dead!

Day 2: Remarkable Cave and Tasman National Park

Drive about 15 minutes south to reach the Remarkable Cave, where you can enjoy an easy boardwalk down to a viewing platform to see this natural wonder shaped remarkably like the map of Tasmania. Next, spend the afternoon at Tasman National Park, just a 20-minute drive away. Embark on family-friendly walks, such as the Waterfall Bay cliff-top walk, offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Day 3: Ghost Tour and Leisure Time

In the evening, thrill the family with a Ghost Tour back at the Port Arthur Historic Site. These tours are suitable for children and provide an intriguing perspective of the area"s history through spooky stories and folklore. During the day, relax at Stewarts Bay, just a 5-minute drive from the historic site. It"s perfect for a picnic and a day spent beachcombing and paddling in the gentle waves.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of education, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring that every family member has a memorable stay at Port Arthur.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo (Taranna Wildlife Park)

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo located in Taranna, about an hour’s scenic drive southeast of Hobart. Set off early to make the most of your day and enjoy the beautiful landscape along the Arthur Highway. Don’t forget to pack your camera and some snacks for the road!

10:00 AM - Devilish Encounter

Kick off your visit with the Tasmanian Devil feeding session, a highlight of the park. These fascinating creatures, unique to Tasmania, are more adorable than their name suggests. Learn about their quirky behaviors and the conservation efforts to protect them from the contagious cancer threatening their population.

11:00 AM - Birds of the Bush Presentation

Next, witness the spectacular "Birds of the Bush" show. Watch native birds like the majestic wedge-tailed eagle and colorful parrots in action. It’s not only entertaining but educational, providing insights into the lives of Tasmania’s feathered inhabitants.

12:00 PM - Picnic Time

Enjoy a family picnic with the food packed from home or head to the Unzoo café, offering delicious local produce and dishes suitable for all ages. There are plenty of picnic spots around, with views that make dining a serene experience.

1:00 PM - Wallaby Walkabout

Post-lunch, take a guided walk through the Unzoo’s unique open-range area. This immersive experience allows you to walk among friendly wallabies and kangaroos. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about these animals and even feed them under supervision.

2:30 PM - Nature’s Walk & Sculpture Trail

Conclude your visit with a leisurely stroll along the Nature"s Walk & Sculpture Trail. This path showcases enchanting sculptures and provides informative signs about the local flora and fauna, making it an educational wrap-up to your day.

Departure

Head back to Hobart by late afternoon, filled with unforgettable memories and new knowledge about Tasmania’s unique wildlife and ecosystem.

This itinerary promises a day full of excitement, education, and memorable moments for the whole family at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.