Heritage fleet

Built in Bellingen, NSW in 1903, this three-masted topsail schooner was designed for coastal trading, carrying goods such as timber, wheat and jam. It is the last remaining vessel known as a ‘trading ketches’, still capable of operating as a sailing vessel.

For almost 60 years, from 1903 until 1975, it had a career transporting cargo around Tasmania. It was requisitioned for service in Papua New Guinea during World War II. She was then used as a sail training ship in Melbourne until 1999 when the need for work on the hull and lack of funds put a stop to the activity. It’s currently undergoing restoration in Victoria Harbour.  

Launched in Sydney in 1933 during the Great Depression, the Wattle is the first tugboat to have been completely designed and made in Australia.

The historic ship has returned to operation after years of restoration in the Docklands by volunteers from the Bay Steamers Maritime Museum. It is one of the last compound steam engine tugboats in the world.

Freshly renovated, the Steam Tug Wattle has a large program of excursions and is available for high tea or special event cruises. 

Serving a special place in the life and community of those who live and work at sea, the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Anglican Church mission have provided comfort, a friendly face and sense of community to the thousands of seafarers who visit Port Melbourne annually.

In 2017, the Mission to Seafarers celebrated 100 years in the Heritage-listed building at 717 Flinders Street, Docklands.