Calling itself 'Sydney's Living Maritime Museum', the
Heritage Fleet Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this port city's proud seafaring history.
The museum was founded in 1965, as a way of preserving the 1902 VIP steam yacht, the
Lady Hopetoun. Since then, it has built up a diverse fleet consisting of another nine vessels:
James Craig (1874 iron barque)
Waratah (1902 steam tug)
Boomerang (1903 schooner)
Protex (1908 motor launch)
Kanangra (1912 harbour ferry)
John Oxley (1927 pilot steamship)
Harman (1947 motor launch)
Kookaburra II (1950s wooden speedboat)
Berrima (1955 motor launch)
The museum also boasts 55
small heritage boats, which include
sailing skiffs and
historic replicas, such as the
lifeboat used by
William Bligh on his epic voyage from Tonga to Timor after the
mutiny on the Bounty. Plus, it houses one of the largest collections of
marine engines in Australia. Furthermore, you'll find over 50
models, of such things as passenger liners, freighters, square-riggers and America's Cup yachts.
If you're keen on actively participating in all this wonderful history, never fear – the museum hosts regular
events, such as cruises, workshop tours and talks.
Entry to the museum is free. However, you do need to pay to see the star attraction, the
James Craig.
Tickets, which need to be purchased from the nearby
Australian National Maritime Museum, begin at $12 for adults, $7 for concession and $26 for families.
To plan your visit,
click here.
