The restored iron barque POLLY WOODSIDE is afloat as the main exhibit
of Melbourne’s extensive Maritime Museum. Built in Belfast
in 1885 and named after the wife of the original owner, the ship
made 16 voyages around Cape Horn before sailing for 20 years in
Australasian waters. The last 40 years of her seafaring, life was
spent as a coal-refueling barge in the Port of Melbourne.
Exhibits & Programs:
Restoration by volunteers began in 1972 and in 1988 POLLY WOODSIDE
became the first merchant ship in the world to receive the World
Ship Trust Heritage Medal.
Visitors can marvel at the complexity of her rigging; see how the
crew lived; smell the tar and rope in the Forepeak store and listen
to the ship creaking and heaving on her mooring ropes.
The onshore museum is housed in historic 1930’s cargo sheds
and features models, photographs and displays. Souvenir shop. Refreshments.
Picnic & BBQ areas
Hours of Operation:
Open: Daily 10.00am to 4.00pm
Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
Address:
Lorimer Street East, Southbank
Victoria 3006
AUSTRALIA
