Old Timbers
1 / 10

Clipper Ship City of Adelaide

4.6
·406 reviews·Port Adelaide, Australia

Explore the world's oldest surviving clipper ship, a floating museum in Port Adelaide offering a deep dive into maritime history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Relaxed atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Old Timbers

Clipper Ship City of Adelaide

Best Time

Weekends

Relaxed atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the world's oldest surviving clipper ship, a floating museum in Port Adelaide offering a deep dive into maritime history. Instagram

4.6
(406 reviews)

"The guided tours by dedicated staff truly make this experience worthwhile through the sharing of countless stories. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Volunteers bring the ship's history to life with fascinating stories. Highly recommended! :star:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Port Adelaide

Combine your visit with exploring the charming maritime precinct. :ship:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ship's Decks

The Ship's Decks

Throughout the vessel

Walk the decks and imagine life aboard this historic clipper ship, a true journey back in time.

Instagram
Informative Artifacts

Informative Artifacts

Various cabins and displays

Explore diverse artifacts showcasing the ship's varied past, from passenger transport to a navy club.

Reddit
Volunteer-Led Tours

Volunteer-Led Tours

Boarding area

Gain deep insights from passionate volunteers who share captivating stories of the ship's voyages.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide

Discover the world's oldest surviving clipper ship! Located in Port Adelaide, this historic vessel offers a unique glimpse into maritime history. Check for ongoing restoration updates and consider booking a guided tour for the most immersive experience. Instagram

Port Adelaide Maritime Precinct

The City of Adelaide is the centerpiece of a developing maritime heritage precinct. While restoration continues, many areas are accessible. Enjoy the rich history and the passion of the dedicated volunteers who bring the ship to life. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Relaxed atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique soundscapes and festivals
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of the most haunted places in Adelaide Quarantine Station. - Thanks (AwesomeAdelaide) for the images.
@adelaidedigest
13.2K likes • 240.1K views

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Volunteers bring the ship's history to life with fascinating stories. Highly recommended! Reddit :star:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Port Adelaide

Combine your visit with exploring the charming maritime precinct. Instagram :ship:

Clipper ship - The City of Adelaide is now in its permanent home and set to become the star feature for the new maritime precinct. Congratulations to everyone involved for a very well-planned and executed move.
bendwoods_photography
19 likes • 400 views
The world’s oldest surviving clipper ship, the City of Adelaide, has made a monumental move to its new home in Port Adelaide. The vessel will become the centrepiece of a proposed maritime heritage precinct. #7NEWS
7newsadelaide
1.4K likes • 60K views

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Great value for money, with free entry for children under 16. Reddit :moneybag:

📸 Capture the History

Plenty of photo opportunities to document this historic vessel. Instagram :camera:

Have you visited the City of Adelaide clipper ship? 🚢 Built in 1864 the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide is the world’s oldest clipper ship. On Sunday hundreds gathered to see the ship be moved to its new permanent home on Dock 2 in Port Adelaide. 📱 Personalise your news & stay in the know with the ABC NEWS app #ABCNews #CityOfAdelaide #ClipperShip #History #PortAdelaide #Adelaide #SouthAustralia
abcadelaide
150 likes • 11K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Volunteers bring the ship's history to life with fascinating stories. Highly recommended! Reddit :star:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Port Adelaide

Combine your visit with exploring the charming maritime precinct. Instagram :ship:

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Great value for money, with free entry for children under 16. Reddit :moneybag:

📸 Capture the History

Plenty of photo opportunities to document this historic vessel. Instagram :camera:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(406 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide for its authentic historical experience and the passion of its volunteers. The affordable entry and accessible sections make it a worthwhile visit, offering a unique glimpse into maritime life. While ongoing restoration is noted, it doesn't detract from the immersive historical journey. Reddit

"I love ships. This place was very interesting, the volunteer guide gave great info. Seeing the clipper ship being restored and what she's been through is amazing."

sandra duncan

"The Clipper Ship City of Adelaide provides an authentic and unique insight into the history of Adelaide. The guided tours by dedicated staff truly make this experience worthwhile through the sharing of countless stories and explanation of the extensive history of the ship. Even though construction works are still ongoing for the restoration of the ship, Almost all sections are accessible. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, while entry fees are low. Ultimately, my visit to Clipper Ship City of Adelaide definitely did not disappoint."

Luke S

"Fantastic, really enjoyed and the volunteers were great. Everyone was very passionate about being there, which always makes it more enjoyable. Well done everyone keep up the great work you are doing."

Lisa Lewis

What People Like

Passionate volunteer guides
Rich maritime history
Affordable entry fees

What People Dislike

Ongoing restoration work

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Clipper Ship City of Adelaide is located in Port Adelaide. Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Public transport options to Port Adelaide are also available, with bus routes serving the area. Reddit

Yes, parking is available nearby the ship, which is very convenient for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! Port Adelaide is easily accessible from Adelaide, making the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide a perfect addition to a day trip. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees are low, with tickets priced at $20 for one person and $30 for a couple. Children under 16 enter for free. Reddit

While not always necessary, booking in advance might be advisable during peak times or special events to ensure entry. Check their official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially with ongoing restoration work. It's best to check the official website or social media channels for the most current operating times before your visit. Instagram

Most sections of the ship are accessible, even with ongoing construction works for restoration. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the ship's decks, view historical artifacts, and learn about its diverse past. Guided tours by passionate volunteers are a highlight, bringing the ship's stories to life. InstagramReddit

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers lead tours, sharing fascinating details about the ship's construction, voyages, and the lives of those on board. Reddit

Built in 1864, it's the world's oldest surviving clipper ship. It has served many roles, including passenger transport, quarantine, coal transport, museum, and navy club. InstagramReddit

While some social media content suggests a 'chilling' history due to its past use during disease outbreaks, the primary focus of visitor experience is its rich maritime heritage. TikTok

It's a significant piece of maritime history and a symbol of South Australia's connection to seafaring. Its restoration and permanent home in Port Adelaide are a testament to community effort. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The entire ship offers fantastic photographic opportunities, from the grand decks and rigging to the detailed interiors and historical artifacts. Capture the scale and the intricate details. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the ship, allowing you to capture the historical ambiance and exhibits. Instagram

While general photography is usually allowed, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you plan on using professional equipment or tripods. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Clipper Ship City of Adelaide offers an engaging experience for families. Children under 16 can enter for free, making it an affordable outing. Reddit The ship's history, with its varied roles, can spark imagination, and the guided tours by enthusiastic volunteers can make the stories come alive for younger visitors. Reddit Exploring the decks and seeing the historical artifacts provides a hands-on way to learn about maritime life. Instagram

Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekends, to allow children more space to explore. The nearby Port Adelaide area also offers other family-friendly attractions, making it a great destination for a full day out. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts

For those passionate about maritime history, the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide is an absolute must-visit. As the world's oldest surviving clipper ship, its historical significance is immense. Instagram The detailed exhibits, informative artifacts, and the ship's diverse past roles provide a deep dive into naval and commercial seafaring. Reddit The volunteer-led tours are particularly valuable, offering in-depth narratives and expert insights that go beyond standard historical accounts. Reddit

Take your time to explore every accessible nook and cranny, and absorb the atmosphere of a bygone era. The ongoing restoration efforts also offer a fascinating look into the preservation of historical vessels. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide a visually rich subject. The ship's classic lines, intricate rigging, and weathered textures offer numerous compelling shots. Instagram Capture the grandeur of the decks, the details of the cabins, and the historical artifacts that tell stories of the past. Instagram The Port Adelaide maritime precinct itself provides a complementary backdrop for maritime-themed photography. Instagram

Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting, or on a slightly overcast day for softer, more even light that can highlight textures. Instagram Remember to be respectful of the ongoing restoration and any visitor guidelines. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Remarkable Restoration Journey

The Clipper Ship City of Adelaide has undergone an extraordinary restoration, a testament to community dedication. After a nearly 25-year project to save her, the world's oldest surviving clipper ship has found her permanent home in Port Adelaide. Instagram This monumental effort involved numerous volunteers and local businesses, with organizations like Bowhill Engineering contributing to the specialized cradle built to bring her home. Instagram The ongoing restoration ensures that this vital piece of maritime history is preserved for future generations to experience and learn from. Instagram

Visitors can witness the results of this extensive work firsthand. The ship's accessibility, even with ongoing restoration, allows for an immersive experience. Reddit The passion of the volunteers is palpable, and their efforts are crucial in maintaining the ship and sharing its rich narrative. Reddit This dedication transforms a visit from a simple tour into a deeply engaging historical encounter. Reddit

A Ship of Many Lives



The City of Adelaide is more than just a clipper ship; she's a vessel that has lived many lives. Her history is incredibly diverse, having served as a floating quarantine station, a coal and lumber transport, a museum, a passenger boat, and even a navy club. Reddit This multifaceted past is showcased through numerous informative artifacts and exhibits onboard, offering a comprehensive glimpse into different eras of maritime activity and societal needs. Reddit

Experiencing Maritime History

The preservation and presentation of the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide are a testament to community effort. The volunteers are described as passionate and great, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Reddit Their dedication to preserving and sharing this important piece of maritime history is highly commendable. Reddit The ship is now in its permanent home, set to become the star feature for a new maritime precinct, signifying a successful culmination of long-term efforts. Instagram+1

You may also like

1 of 2