History
A 1914 photo of guests on the front steps of Clougha in its days as a guest houseStep back in time in this historic home, which has enjoyed many uses in its more than 160 years. This is not the first time that it has offered hospitality to visitors. Originally constructed in 1847 for the Visiting Magistrate Robert Pringle Stewart, the building was occupied by various officials, including the Senior Medical Officer and the Roman Catholic Chaplain, during the convict period.
After Port Arthur closed as a convict settlement, the building was converted for use as a private hotel or guest house and renamed Clougha in the 1880s. The house barely escaped the 1895 bushfire and continued to welcome guests until the last 1940s, when it was resumed by the Tasmanian Government. In subsequent years it was used as office space for the various authorities managing the site.
The Visiting Magistrates House offers refined hospitality in a relaxed World Heritage setting
The Visiting Magistrates House menu options feature fresh locally sourced produce
The Visiting Magistrates House at Port Arthur offers fine dining with a sense of the elegance of a bygone era
There are three function rooms in the Visiting Magistrate's House, each of which can be set up for a variety of purposes, including receptions, meetings or dining.
The Visiting Magistrates House is a peaceful and sophisticated venue for intimate dining or small events and functions.
Canapes served at a function at the Visiting Magistrates House
For private dining
The World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia’s and the world’s great cultural and travel experiences, one that you will want to enjoy to the hilt and remember for a long time.
Port Arthur is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, but now you can experience the amazing stories of this extraordinary place without having to follow the crowd.
Lunch in our beautifully restored historic home, the Visiting Magistrates House, is so much more than a meal. It’s a chance to experience a taste of what life was like for the more privileged inhabitants of Port Arthur; it’s an opportunity to enjoy some of Tasmania’s finest and freshest local produce, beautifully prepared and presented, and it’s an ideal time to relax while enjoying personalised service.
It caters for just a handful people for lunch each day, so you can enjoy your meal, relax and reflect in peace and quiet.
Download the Visiting Magistrates House Private Dining product sheet
For small groups
Travel is one of life’s great rewards. With each new place and each new experience, understanding grows and friendships are forged. The Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Australia’s great cultural heritage destinations, can offer the ideal experience to make your tour group’s visit here truly memorable.
Lunch in our beautifully restored historic home, the Visiting Magistrates House, is so much more than a meal. It’s a chance to experience a taste of what life was like for the more privileged inhabitants of Port Arthur; it’s an opportunity to enjoy some of Tasmania’s finest and freshest local produce, beautifully prepared and presented, and it’s an ideal time for your guests to relax and enjoy each other’s company while enjoying personalised service.
Download the Visiting Magistrates House for Small Groups product sheet
For business
Escape the day to day office grind and bring your team to Port Arthur for a day or two’s working retreat in our beautifully restored Visiting Magistrate’s House. Away from the distractions, you can get some
valuable work done while we take care of looking after you with catering using a range of stunning local produce, beautifully and simply prepared.
When you are ready for a break, take a stroll around the World Heritage listed Historic Site or let our guide take you on a tour and reveal to you some of the secrets of this extraordinary place.
Whether you need to hold a meeting, a working retreat for your team or a reward for your staff, we can offer a range of catering and hospitality packages including lunches, dinners or cocktail parties along with the award-winning visitor experiences of the Port Arthur Historic Site.
Capacity
The house has been lovingly conserved over recent months, to bring back some of the elegance and style likely to have been enjoyed by the various civil officers who resided there. The house caters for groups up to 50 people standing, or 10-18 people seated.
Indicative costs
A booking fee of $450 per day applies for business events, with premium dining options ranging from $60 to $200 per head.
Download the Visiting Magistrates House for Business Functions product sheet
The Visiting Magistrate's House at the Port Arthur Historic Site is an ideal venue for a small business meeting or retreat.The Visiting Magistrates House offers an ideal venue to mix business with pleasure
Inquiries
The Visiting Magistrate’s House is available only by special prior arrangement. Please contact our Visitor Services team to discuss your requirements.
Freecall 1800 659 101 or +61 (0)3 6251 2310 or email reservations@portarthur.org.au