Step aboard Polly Woodside and experience a unique occasion to remember.

With panoramic views along the Yarra River combined with the atmosphere of this historical vessel, you are ensured a spectacular venue for your event in Melbourne’s city centre. Polly Woodside is one of Melbourne’s iconic attractions and an amazing example of a late nineteenth century barque.

Built in Belfast in 1885, she sailed 1.5 million kilometres around the globe and is one of the few deep-water tall sailing ships still remaining.
Comprising of five unique event spaces, the Polly Woodside can cater for a variety of functions from stand-up cocktail events to small AGM’s or Board meetings.

Children's Parties

Step aboard Polly Woodside for your very own sailor or pirate themed birthday party. Parties are designed for children 5-12 years and are available any day of the week. (not including Pirate Sundays)

Download more information on Polly's Children's Parties below

Venue Hire

The site comprises a gallery space, theatrette and an outdoor entertainment area as well as the option of using the ship both above and below deck.

Download the Polly Woodside Function Information Pack

Polly Woodside Upper Deck
Nothing can surpass the ambience of having a function on board the Polly Woodside. The upper deck of the ship completely transports guests to days gone by. The deck allows attendees to spread out to all areas of the ship from the quarter deck where guests can sit by the wheel of the ship and look down into the captains’ cabin to the foredeck where the best views of the city & the Yarra River can be viewed from the bow.

Polly Woodside Tween Deck
The Tween deck is an open deck space within the hull of the Polly Woodside. It is a small space that is perfect for small meetings, presentations or an indoor cocktail function.

From here guests can view where the cargo was held and walk through to the aft accommodation to view the captain’s and other high ranking crew’s accommodation.

Outdoor decking
The outdoor decking surrounding the ship allows attendees to view the Polly Woodside in all her glory.

Comprising picnic tables sheltered by a shade cloth, as well as wine barrels that make fantastic bar tables, this area can cater for up to 150 people on either side of the ship for stand-up cocktail events.

Interactive Gallery
The gallery comprises six exhibition zones featuring maritime and interactive displays about life at sea, the crew, navigation, maritime language and Melbourne’s docks.

With dim lights, ships sounds and interesting maritime historical items on display, this space creates an interesting and atmospheric area for pre-drinks or stand-up cocktail functions.

Theatrette
The Polly Woodside theatrette encompasses seating for approximately 40 adults and is built in the shape of a ships hull.

The 8m long screen showcases a short feature film depicting life at sea on a voyage in 1904 or it can be used for your own presentations. This space can also be utilised for intimate board meetings and AGM’s.

Venue

Total Capacity

Theatre

Seminar

Board Room

U-Shape

Cocktail

1.Polly Woodside Upper Deck

150

150

2.Polly Woodside Tween Deck

70

50

30

20

70

3. Outdoor Decking

300

300

4. Gallery

100

100

5. Theatrette

40

40

15

15

Function Type

Cocktail, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception, Photography, Theatre, Filming, Team Building Sessions.

Catering Services

Food and Beverage services are available from National Trust approved suppliers. Contact details and sample menus are available on request. To discuss details of your specific event, please contact one of the approved suppliers who will design a catering and event package and can arrange a site inspection.

Contact Details

For further information and details of our approved suppliers please contact the National Trust Booking Office on 8663 7260 or email bookings@nattrust.com.au