Janet restoration

In an innovative partnership between the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Victoria University, the historic Admiral’s barge, Janet, is being brought back to its former splendour.

Built in 1922 at Garden Island in Sydney, the Janet was once fixed to the deck of the warship HMAS Melbourne until the 5400-ton light cruiser was scrapped in 1928.

After years in private hands it was donated to the National Trust and is now at Victoria University’s Newport Campus undergoing a $100,000 restoration.

Restoration is being executed in accordance with the original plans and, where practicable (apart from electrical tools), using the materials and techniques of the early 1920s.

The 11.5m barge has been stripped back to its teak planks and spotted gum keel and ribs, while the cabin, engine, furniture and fittings wait in storage.

There are 15 apprentices in each year of the three-year Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction.

And with Victoria University apprentices winning the Boating Industry Association of Victoria’s Apprentice of the Year Award for the past three years, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is confident that the Janet restoration is in good hands.

Nautilus II

Nautilus II is one of Melbourne’s most famous early motorboats and one of the first vessels added to the newly launched Australian Register of Historic Vessels.

Built in 1912 on the banks of the Yarra River, the Nautilus II won the Victorian Speed Boat title in 1913.

In 1914, the vessel successfully competed in the Australasian Motor Boat Speed Championship defeating two Sydney-based boats over a 20 mile course. Nautilus II also successfully defended the 1915 Championship, held in Port Philip Bay.

Donated to the National Trust of Australia by Mr Alan Chamberlain in 1978, the Nautilus II is a 25’ x 5’ multi-step fauber type hydroplane. It is the only one of its kind remaining in Australia, and one of a small handful remaining in the world.

The Nautilus II gives a fascinating and unique insight into the early history of motor powered boating in Australia. Designed and built in Melbourne, by two local business people and boat-builders, the boat has great significance to the river and the city.