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                    Heritage fleet

                    A heritage ship sailing in the bay
                    Melbourne is home to a significant number of historic vessels and replicas of historic ships. From detailed exhibits, restored vessel museums to hands-on sailing expeditions, Melbourne brings its maritime history back to life.

                    ​Alma Doepel 

                    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. Find out more about Alma Doepel.

                    Enterprize 

                    A timber two-masted, topsail schooner, the Enterprize Tall Ship, is a replica of the first vessel that brought British settlers to Melbourne in 1835. You can experience it for yourself – channel your inner salty dog with a Port Phillip Bay charter, or sleep on board as you embark on an overnight voyage to Geelong. She can also be hired for a dockside knees-up and carters and overnight tours can be arranged by appointment.

                    Find out more about the Enterprize.

                    Steam Tug Wattle

                    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. 

                    Find out more about Steam Tug ​Wattle

                    Polly Woodside

                    Polly Woodside is a historic museum ship moored at South Wharf, a tangible reminder of Australia's rich maritime heritage. Built in Belfast in 1885, the three-masted cargo vessel carried coal and wheat between England and South America. 

                    Experience a range of activities including a gallery which tells the story and history of the ship, plus children’s Crew Calls and Pirate Days. There’s also picnic facilities at the wharf.

                    Contact Polly Woodside for more information.

                    Mission to Seafarers

                    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.

                    Contact Mission to Seafarers for opening hours, hire rates and more information.

                    Skip Image Gallery

                    Heritage fleet gallery

                    The Polly Woodside at South WharfThe Alma DoepelThe Steam Tug WattleThe Enterprize sailing at Docklands
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