Polly Woodside
21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia
Warehouse
•Why you'll love Polly Woodside
- Offers a unique event venue in a historical museum ship.
- Experience the sensation of being on an authentic tall ship.
- Sweeping river views and city skyline directly opposite the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
After travelling 1.5 million miles and circumnavigating the world 17 times over, The Polly Woodside now welcomes you aboard. Built in Belfast in 1885, the three-masted cargo vessel carried coal and wheat between England and South America. Polly Woodside is a reminder of Australia's rich maritime heritage. “Experience the sensation of being on an authentic tall ship nestled alongside the Melbourne Convention, Exhibition Centre and Yarra River. Find your sea legs as you enter the motion room to the modern gallery and theatrette and be absorbed by the gripping stories, emotions, and characters behind this unique attraction. Then, step aboard the 19th Century Polly Woodside and be immersed in what life was like at sea.” This amazing venue offers more than just a glimpse into the past; this historic venue provides an engaging and hands-on experience that enchants visitors of all ages. It's the perfect venue for hosting events, educational programs, and special gatherings.
Polly Woodside Function Rooms
Polly Woodside
Built in 1885 and having travelled the world as a cargo ship until 1968 the Polly Woodside is an iconic Melbourne landmark. With panoramic views along the Yarra River combined with the atmosphere of this historical vessel, the Polly Woodsid...
Reviews for Polly Woodside
P. P.
We attended the Pirate Day and it was absolutely beyond our expectations. Our 6 years old had the best time of his life and loved every minute of it. There’s a little food kiosks on site with gold coin donation sausage sizzle and barista coffee for tired parents. The event was creative, well thought out and well worth the ticket price. The kids had so much fun while learning little facts about the ship and the life of its crew. 10/10 event!
The Melbie
This restored museum maritimr relic, originally built in 1885 in Belfast, Ireland has occupied this prime city location for ages, sandwiched between Melb Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) & major thoroughfare - along the riverfront dining & lively hub of Southbank Promenade. As such, on a busy prime location, it should be open on all weekends, not just first Sun & a Pirate themed day for kids on 3rd Sun of the month. Tickets can be purchased on the day or book ahead. Check website for open days to be sure. The kids who were there today looked pretty engaged & entertained. If it had more immersive experiences on offer - definitely attract more patronage. Below the deck cargohold is fascinating but overall not enough labelling to explain what items are. Visit the museum style area upon entry first to be informed before exploring the ship - i did it in reverse. Good mobility is required to get around obviously. A short video presentation on the workings inside the ship, actual navigation & the painstaking restoration would be good given the attention span these days for reading info boards! Spent almost 2 hours but that's my interest in Melb's past & history. One hour shld do. Opens at 10.00 am. There's a guided tour for kids & families at 11.30 am.Toilets onsite & some souvenirs for sale.
Gemma Robson
Took our 5 and 7 year olds to Pirate Day (3rd Sunday of the month). My son is right into ships at the moment so he loved the opportunity to go on a real one. There was a great balance of activities to fill a couple of hours alongside plenty of opportunities to explore the ship either in a group or at the end when some people started leaving. The pirates were great and kept the children nicely entertained. It was a really fun day out (there was an ice cream stand and ferris wheel nearby while we waited). Activities likely too young for an older child (8/9+).
Rohan Flegler
Amazing, loved it. Seeing what the sailors had to endure is hard to fathom. Reminded me to appreciate how we live today. Must go on the tour.
Jeff M
First saw Polly Woodside on a trip to Melbourne with Cubs in 1978..... We spend much of the time in her looking for the cannons! An absolute treasure of an icon..... Would love to see her doing a regular trip out on Port Phillip Bay
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