South Australian Maritime Museum Education

Torrens Island Quarantine StationInteractive Learning

Experience The Quarantine Station has stood in chilling isolation on Torrens Island since 1856 when it was established to stop passengers bringing smallpox into South Australia.A walking tour of Torrens Island engages students through real life stories and role plays to develop an understanding of what it was like as an immigrant arriving and living in the Quarantine Station during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The South Australian Maritime Museum program for schools has been developed through a partnership between DECD Outreach Education and the Museum. Outreach Education is a team of seconded teachers based in public organisations.

Attention: History Teachers: Years 5 - 12

Australian Curriculum: History Outcomes:Explore the key concepts of: Significance: What makes this site an important part of South Australia’s history? Evidence: How do we know what happened at the quarantine station during its years of operation? Perspectives: What were the different perceptions of time spent in the quarantine station – workers and passengers?

Should this site be maintained for future generations to visit? Continuity and Change: How have quarantine practices changed over time?

How has the site been used since the last passengers were admitted in 1966? Cause and Effect: How would diseases such as small pox affect South Australia and its people? Empathy: How would you feel finding out that you had an infectious disease and were to be kept in isolation?

Logistics: Cost per student: $10 A group size of 15 - 22 is required (two tours can be held each day) Maximum bus size is a 22 seat minibus (access to the site is restricted) The bus must remain on site for the duration of the tour Tours operate between 10am – 2pm (1.5 hour duration – includes a recess or lunch break) Entry into the South Australian Maritime Museum is included. Explore the museum and view the

exhibitions, Bound for South Australia and All the World’s at Sea The Navy and WW1 Bookings: 8207 6255 Further information: DECD Education Manager, Sally Brock