Polly Woodside Melbourne
Step aboard Polly Woodside, an 1885 iron cargo vessel offering a journey back in time. Explore maritime history and enjoy city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pirate Day fun for kids
Polly Woodside Melbourne
Best Time
Pirate Day fun for kids
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step aboard Polly Woodside, an 1885 iron cargo vessel offering a journey back in time. Explore maritime history and enjoy city views.
"A restored museum relic offering a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century seafaring."
🎯 Check Website for Open Days
Polly Woodside isn't always open. Verify dates and times on their site before you go!
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Secure your spot, especially for popular family days. Tickets available online or on the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Cargo Vessel
South Wharf Promenade
Step aboard an 1885 iron-hulled barque, a true relic of maritime history. Explore its decks and imagine life at sea.
Guided Tours
Onboard the ship
Gain fascinating insights into Polly's voyages, construction, and restoration from knowledgeable guides.
Family & Pirate Days
Onboard and surrounding area
Engaging events for kids, including pirate reenactments and interactive activities, making history fun .
Planning Your Visit
Check Open Days
Book Tours in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Website for Open Days
Polly Woodside isn't always open. Verify dates and times on their site before you go!
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Secure your spot, especially for popular family days. Tickets available online or on the day.
🚶♀️ Good Mobility Needed
Exploring the ship involves stairs and narrow passages. Be prepared for some climbing!
🚢 Take the Guided Tour
Highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the ship's history and voyages.
Polly Woodside museum, Melbourne, Australia
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Website for Open Days
Polly Woodside isn't always open. Verify dates and times on their site before you go!
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Secure your spot, especially for popular family days. Tickets available online or on the day.
🚶♀️ Good Mobility Needed
Exploring the ship involves stairs and narrow passages. Be prepared for some climbing!
🚢 Take the Guided Tour
Highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the ship's history and voyages.
📸 Capture the Views
Enjoy scenic city skyline and Yarra River views from the ship's location.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Polly Woodside is a cherished maritime relic offering a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century seafaring. Visitors praise its historical significance and the engaging nature of guided tours, especially for families. However, some feel more immersive experiences and clearer labeling could enhance the visit, and its limited opening days can be a drawback.
"This restored museum maritimr relic, originally built in 1885 in Belfast, Ireland has occupied this prime city location for ages, sandwiched between Melb Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) & major thoroughfare - along the riverfront dining & lively hub of Southbank Promenade. As such, on a busy prime location, it should be open on all weekends, not just first Sun & a Pirate themed day for kids on 3rd Sun of the month. Tickets can be purchased on the day or book ahead. Check website for open days to be sure.
The kids who were there today looked pretty engaged & entertained. If it had more immersive experiences on offer - definitely attract more patronage.
Below the deck cargohold is fascinating but overall not enough labelling to explain what items are. Visit the museum style area upon entry first to be informed before exploring the ship - i did it in reverse. Good mobility is required to get around obviously.
A short video presentation on the workings inside the ship, actual navigation & the painstaking restoration would be good given the attention span these days for reading info boards!
Spent almost 2 hours but that's my interest in Melb's past & history. One hour shld do. Opens at 10.00 am. There's a guided tour for kids & families at 11.30 am.Toilets onsite & some souvenirs for sale."
The Melbie
"Took our 5 and 7 year olds to Pirate Day (3rd Sunday of the month). My son is right into ships at the moment so he loved the opportunity to go on a real one. There was a great balance of activities to fill a couple of hours alongside plenty of opportunities to explore the ship either in a group or at the end when some people started leaving. The pirates were great and kept the children nicely entertained. It was a really fun day out (there was an ice cream stand and ferris wheel nearby while we waited). Activities likely too young for an older child (8/9+)."
Gemma Robson
"Amazing, loved it. Seeing what the sailors had to endure is hard to fathom. Reminded me to appreciate how we live today. Must go on the tour."
Rohan Flegler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Polly Woodside is located at 21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006. It's easily accessible by public transport, including trams that stop nearby. Driving is also an option, with parking available in the South Wharf area.
Yes, several tram routes service the South Wharf area, making it convenient to reach Polly Woodside via public transport. Check the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) website for the most up-to-date route information.
There are several parking options in the South Wharf precinct, including multi-story car parks. Be aware that parking fees may apply, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Polly Woodside's opening hours vary as it's not open daily. It's crucial to check the official National Trust website for their specific open days and times before your visit. They often have special events on certain Sundays.
Ticket prices can be found on the National Trust website. National Trust members often receive free entry, which is a significant benefit if you visit multiple heritage sites.
Yes, tickets can typically be purchased on the day of your visit, but booking in advance is recommended, especially for special events like Pirate Day, to guarantee entry.
Check the Polly Woodside website for any available group or family discounts. Special event days, like Pirate Day, often have package deals for families.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic 1885 cargo vessel, take guided tours to learn about its history, and enjoy family-oriented events like Pirate Day. The location also offers great city skyline views.
Absolutely! Polly Woodside is very family-friendly, especially on Pirate Days, which feature engaging activities for kids. The ship itself is an exciting adventure for younger visitors.
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the ship and taking a tour. If you're a history enthusiast or attending a special event, you might stay longer.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. They provide valuable context and stories about the ship's past voyages and restoration.
There are toilets available onsite. Souvenirs are also sold, and nearby South Wharf offers numerous dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the ship against the Melbourne skyline from the promenade. Inside, focus on the intricate details of the rigging, the helm, and the cargo holds.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the ship, allowing you to document the historical interiors and maritime artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚢 Maritime History Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Polly Woodside
After a long and varied career, Polly Woodside was eventually brought to Melbourne and has been meticulously restored by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). This restoration effort has preserved a vital piece of maritime heritage, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience what life was like aboard such a vessel. The ship's current home at South Wharf provides a picturesque backdrop against the modern Melbourne skyline.
Visiting Polly Woodside offers a tangible connection to Australia's seafaring past. The ship's journey from Belfast to Melbourne and her subsequent preservation highlight the importance of maritime history in shaping the nation's development. It’s a chance to appreciate the challenges faced by sailors and the engineering marvels of the era.
Experiencing Polly Woodside with Family
Beyond the special events, the guided tours are tailored to be engaging for all ages. They bring the ship's history to life with stories of voyages and life at sea. While exploring the ship, remember that good mobility is required as there are stairs and confined spaces. The museum-style area upon entry provides initial context, which can help children understand what they'll see onboard.
Nearby attractions in the South Wharf precinct, such as the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, can complement a visit to Polly Woodside, making for a full day of family entertainment. The combination of historical exploration and nearby modern attractions offers a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit