Sydney Heritage Fleet and the Barque James Craig

The Sydney Heritage Fleet is the world’s largest collection of working heritage ships and boats and the "flagship", the barque James Craig (pictured right), is one of only four operational 19th Century barques to be found anywhere in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere that takes fare paying passengers to sea regularly.

In addition to the James Craig (formerly the Clan McLeod) built in Sunderland, England in 1874, the Fleet operates three of the most historically significant vessels on Sydney Harbour: the 1902 steam tug Waratah (see below), the 1902 VIP steam launch Lady Hopetoun and the Edwardian schooner Boomerang.

Other vessels include, 1908 motor boat Protex, 1950 petrol speedboat Kookaburra and the 1912 ferry Kanangra, which devoted seventy years of service on Sydney Harbour, and the 1927 small coastal steamer John Oxley.

Now anybody can sail back into the 19th Century aboard James Craig for the adventure of a lifetime. This marvellously restored square rigger goes to sea from Sydney’s Darling Harbour, every other Saturday or Sunday, rain, hail or shine, with up to 80 passengers.

Fares - Bookings - Locations

It costs $205 for adults, $170 for people entitled to a concession, $120 for children (12 - 18yrs) and $605 for families. All prices include Morning & Afternoon tea, Sailors lunch and a 6 hour cruise.

The Sydney Heritage Fleet can be found at two locations, both situated on Sydney Harbour and close to the centre of the city of Sydney. Wharf 7 at Pyrmont (a short walk from the Australian National Maritime Museum) houses its extensive fleet of heritage skiffs, yachts, launches and Olympic craft. It is home to the tall ship James Craig which is berthed alongside and open for public inspection when, of course, not at sea. The Fleet' s Heritage Shipyard and the moorings for operational and restoration vessels are to be found at Gate 4, James Craig Road, Rozelle.

For more information and bookings go to Sydney Heritage Fleet.