The Port Arthur Historic Site will increase ticket prices from July 1 as the heritage-listed convict settlement faces mounting conservation expenses.
The price rise comes as the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority grapples with escalating costs for maintaining the UNESCO World Heritage site’s more than 30 historic buildings spread across 135 hectares.
PAHSMA CEO Will Flamsteed said the organisation invested approximately $8.6 million in conservation efforts last year alone.
“The conservation of convict heritage is specialist and costly,” Flamsteed said.
“But the cost of doing business is continuing to increase, and PAHSMA is not immune.”
The site, which represents Australia’s largest intact convict settlement, has been under PAHSMA’s custodianship for over three decades, with responsibility expanding in 2010 to include the Cascades Female Factory and Coal Mines Historic Site.
“Conservation is costing more than ever, with increasing costs across materials, labour, energy and services,” Flamsteed said.
For families visiting the historic precinct, the price adjustment will mean an additional $7, while concession holders will pay an extra $3.
Entry tickets include full site access for two consecutive days, a 20-minute harbour cruise, expert guide talks, a self-guided audio experience, and entry to the site’s restored houses, heritage gardens and walking trails.
PAHSMA said ongoing conservation work is not just important for protecting Tasmania’s convict history but is also a requirement under the World Heritage Convention.
“This change will ensure we can continue to protect and share Tasmania’s unique convict history, and connect people with our complex history to inspire, engage and shape the future,” Flamsteed said.
