Polly Woodside

The Polly Woodside is a three-masted iron ship measuring 70 meters long, moored in Melbourne's harbor and housing numerous maritime exhibits. The vessel displays restored rigging, wooden decks, and various rooms across several levels that tell the story of seafaring history.

The vessel was built in Belfast in 1885 and transported coal and nitrate between British and South American ports across 17 global voyages. After decades serving as a coal hulk, it was later restored and converted into a museum.

Named after a woman from a local family, the vessel demonstrates how visitors can learn about seafaring work from past eras. The exhibits aboard show what life and labor were like for sailors during the merchant shipping age.

The ship is accessible most days, with guided tours lasting around 45 to 60 minutes that allow you to explore all decks and rooms. Comfortable clothing and slip-resistant shoes are recommended, as the decks can be uneven and stairs are narrow.

Volunteers invested thousands of hours to restore the ship from the ground up and return it to its original condition. The work earned international recognition and shows how much dedication was required to preserve maritime heritage.