Polly Woodside

Polly Woodside is a historic iron-hulled barque built in Belfast in 1885. Now permanently moored at South Wharf in Melbourne, she serves as a maritime museum and a reminder of the city’s seafaring past. Managed by the National Trust of Australia, the ship offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience life as a 19th-century sailor. Guests can explore the deck, venture below into the cargo hold, and see the cramped crew quarters. The adjacent gallery features interactive displays and films detailing the ship’s voyages across the world’s oceans, including multiple trips around Cape Horn. Polly Woodside also hosts Pirate Day activities for children, educational tours for schools, and special events. As one of the few surviving ships of her kind, she is a significant piece of maritime heritage. A visit to Polly Woodside provides a fascinating glimpse into the hardships and adventures of early global trade and the vital role of shipping in Australia’s colonial development.