The Polly Woodside was built in Belfast in 1885 by Workman Clark & Co Ltd and operated as a cargo vessel, carrying coal, nitrate and wheat between England and South America, and also visiting North America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

The Polly Woodside is among the best in the world as a surviving example of a late nineteenth century barque rigged, iron-hulled, ocean-going trading ship and was awarded the World Ship Trust Medal for achievement in the preservation of maritime heritage.

Explore the Polly Woodside with the Mate

The Polly Woodside is a three-masted iron barque. The ship's registered gross tonnage was 678 tons. The hull length is 59 m (192 ft), overall length is 70 m (230 ft), beam 9 m (30 ft) and the estimated area of sail when all sails are set is 1110 sq metres (12,000 sq ft).

Join one of our First Mates and sign up as a crew member for an induction tour of the ship.

Crew initiations take place on the hour, every hour between 10am and 4pm. The last initiation of the day will involve helping the First Mate to lower the sails.

Crew initiations are included in the admission fee when visiting Polly Woodside, and there is no need to book unless you have a group of ten or more.

So come aboard today and experience life as a 19th Century sailor.

The Polly Woodside Story

Visit the new Gallery and learn the history of Melbourne's grandest Tall ship with maritime artefacts and interactive displays.

A widescreen film tells the story of one sailor's journey aboard the ship and lets you experience the hardships, danger and joys of sailing aboard an ocean going trading vessel at the turn of the century.