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Category: Vehicles

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Sydney Heritage Fleet

Sydney Heritage Fleet

Founded in 1965 as the “The Lady Hopetoun and Port Jackson Marine Steam Museum”, the Sydney Heritage Fleet operates 10 large and 55 small heritage vessels. Its 450 active volunteer workers conserve Australia’s maritime past, while preserving traditional technical methods and skills.

Three (as of August 2024) vessels are currently being restored, the 1912 ferry Kanangra, the 1950s wooden speed boat Kookaburra II and the 1927 pilot vessel John Oxley. Possibly the most well known vessel is the 1874 iron barque James Craig, now fully restored and regularly put to sea under full sail and is a beautiful site when sailing Sydney Harbour.

We booked a tour of the Kanangra restoration project, which gave us an opportunity to also see some of the other ships in the fleet. See their website for times and tickets.

Getting There

We took the light rail from Central Station to Rozelle and walked (10 minutes) to Sydney Heritage Fleet from there.

The Tour

A safety briefing started the tour, as we would be entering an active work area. Safety hats and high-visibility jackets (both provided) along with enclosed shoes (wear your own) were a requirement.

The tour started in the workshop where we saw how the parts needed for the restoration were made. Then it was on to the dock to see the boats. Although we only boarded the Kanangra, we were able to see many others very well.

On board the Kanangra we needed to stay alert, as the decking and sides of the ship were under repair. Interestingly, the largest job currently being undertaken was the removal of concrete from the hull. Large quantities had been used to stop leaks in the rusting hull plates. Apparently it’s a quick and easy fix, but difficult to remove.

We were able to see all levels of the ferry, from the engine room to the top deck and restored wheel house. Restoration should finish in 2032 when she will be back in the water. Considering how badly corroded the hull looked and the amount of steel plates requiring replacement, I can see why it will take this long.

This was a fantastic tour and highly recommended for anyone who likes old ships. The tour guides were very informative, friendly and passionate about the restoration. The tour ran two hours and we loved every minute.

Sydney Ferry Kanangra

Launched on the 14th of August 1912, Kanangra is a steel-hulled K-class ferry that operated on Sydney Harbour until 1985. Originally coal fired, she was converted to diesel in 1959.

Kanangra is currently sited on a floating dock at Rozelle Bay as part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Restoration work intends to restore her to the 1960s configuration with diesel power.

Kanangra
Kanangra
Exterior showing corrosion of hull
Exterior showing corrosion of hull
Exterior showing corrosion of hull
Exterior showing corrosion of hull
Interior of the upper deck
Interior of the upper deck
Wheelhouse
Wheelhouse
Engine telegraph
Engine telegraph
Inside lower deck of ferry
Lower deck interior
Inside lower deck of ferry
Interior of the Lower Deck
Kanangra's lower deck interior
Lower deck interior
Kanangra's lower deck
Outside lower deck
Engine Room
Engine Room

Steam Ship John Oxley

Built in 1927 in Scotland for the Queensland Harbours and Rivers Board, the John Oxley was a relief pilot vessel in Moreton Bay, a buoy tender and a lighthouse tender that operated along the Queensland coast.

In the Second World War John Oxley was requisitioned for the Royal Australian Navy and a 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun was mounted on the stern. She was returned to her former duties in 1946, and converted from coal to oil fuel that same year.

John Oxley continued in service until 1968 and was officially donated to Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1970. Since 2002 the John Oxley has been under continuous restoration at the Heritage dockyard of the Sydney Heritage Fleet, Rozelle Bay, Sydney. As of August 2024 she is nearing completion and almost ready for her first post-restoration cruise.

John Oxley restored upper works
John Oxley restored upper works
John Oxley officer's quarters
Officer’s quarters
John Oxley pilots' area and stairs to lower deck
John Oxley pilots’ area and stairs to lower deck
John Oxley restored kitchen
Restored kitchen
John Oxley restoration of interior underway
John Oxley restoration of interior underway
John Oxley Steam Ship
John Oxley Steam Ship

Bronzewing-class Tugs

Four Bronzewing-class harbour tugs were constructed for the Royal Australian Navy. The ships in the class were:

Bronzewing (HTS 501)
Currawong (HTS 502)
HTS 503 (to Papua New Guinea in 1974)
Mollymawk (HTS 504)

They were constructed by Stannard Bros, Sydney, except for HTS Mollymawk (504), she was constructed by Perris Engineering, Brisbane.

Bronzewing and Currawong are currently on loan to the Sydney Heritage Fleet, where they are often used in the support of the James Craig and other heritage ships in the Fleet.

HMAS Bronzewing (HTS 501)
HMAS Bronzewing (HTS 501)
HMAS Currawong (HTS 502)
HMAS Currawong (HTS 502)
HMAS Currawong (HTS 502)
Currawong (HTS 502)

Motor Launch Harman

Harman is a Royal Australian Navy motor launch built in 1944 by the firm Storey and Keers. The RAN used her on Sydney Harbour to transfer personnel between ship and shore and the various establishments on the Harbour.

On retirement from the RAN in 1957, she was transferred to Cockatoo Island Dockyard where she worked as a passenger and general duties launch. She was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1992 and has since undergone several refits to keep her seaworthy.

Motor Launch Harman starboard side
Motor Launch Harman starboard side
Motor Launch Harman
Harman
Motor Launch Harman port aft view
Motor Launch Harman port aft view

Motor Launch Berrima

Launched in 1955 as A.O.R.1, Berrima is a motor launch owned by the Sydney Heritage Fleet and used around Sydney Harbour. Originally used by Stannard Bros  on behalf of Australian Oil Refineries on Botany Bay, it ferried workers from La Perouse to the refinery on the other side of Botany Bay. At times it also doubled as the Pilot Cutter.

Berrima was acquired by the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1990.

Motor Launch Berrima
Motor Launch Berrima
Motor Launch Berrima Sydney Heritage Fleet
Motor Launch Berrima

Lady Hopetoun

Built in 1902 by WM Ford on Sydney Harbour, the Lady Hopetoun was used as a VIP and Vice-Regal steam yacht by the NSW Government through the Sydney Harbour Trust and its successor the Maritime Services Board of NSW until the 1960s.

Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun starboard side
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun starboard side
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun starboard side
Lady Hopetoun starboard side
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun port side
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun port side
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun seen from the Kanangra
Steam Launch Lady Hopetoun seen from the Kanangra

Motor Launch Protex

Built sometime around 1908, Protex was later purchased in 1934 by the Sydney ferry and tug company, Nicholson Bros. In line with their usual policy of naming their craft using words beginning with ‘Pro’ she was called Protex after a popular brand of soap. Up until 1970, she ferried goods and people from the Palmolive factory at Balmain to various city wharves.

In 1970, she was sold to Mr Terry Hodgson who used her as a ferry operating out of Woy Woy and Toukley, and later between Brooklyn and Dangar Island on the Hawkesbury River.

The Protex became part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet in 1981 and is berthed at their Rozelle wharf.

Protex
Protex
Protex
Protex

Steam Tug Waratah

Built in 1902 at Cockatoo Island, Waratah is a coal fired tug and part of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Originally named Burunda, her primary role was to tow dredges and barges between the various ports along the NSW coast.

From 1948, her age and condition restricted her to operating within the Newcastle Port and by 1968 she was considered to be beyond economical repair and was set to be scrapped. Saved by the Sydney Heritage Fleet, she is now, once again, fully operational and regularly takes passengers on trips around Sydney Harbour.

Steam Tug Waratah
Steam Tug Waratah bow view
Steam Tug Waratah
Port view
Steam Tug Waratah
Steam Tug Waratah bridge and main deck
Steam Tug Waratah
Waratah looking down from Kanangra
Steam Tug Waratah
Steam Tug Waratah
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Australian National Maritime Museum

HMAS Vampire National Maritime Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum

Covering Australia’s maritime history from pre-colonial times to the present, the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney has an excellent collection of ships and artefacts on display. The most obvious displays are the ships and boats of the heritage fleet docked on Darling Harbour, but those inside also deserve a lot of attention.

Indigenous Watercraft

As the oldest users of the Australian coast and waterways, a large section is devoted to indigenous watercraft and heritage. Displays of canoes from around Australia and the Torres Strait are on display.

Aboriginal Bark Canoe
Aboriginal Bark Canoe
Ilma from the Bardi Jawi people
Ilma from the Bardi Jawi people

Kay Cottee and Blackmores First Lady

In 1989, Kay Cottee became the first woman to circumnavigate the world alone, without stopping, without assistance, by way of both hemispheres and the five southernmost capes. It took her 189 days in Blackmores First Lady, in a time before Social Media and with poor communications.

Visitors are able to enter the boat and experience how small it is. Getting on board really makes you realise what an incredible achievement it was.

Blackmores First Lady in which Kay Cottee became the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world
Blackmores First Lady in which Kay Cottee became the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the world
Inside Kay Cottee's Blackmores First Lady Australian National Maritime Museum
Inside Kay Cottee’s Blackmores First Lady

Model Ships

One section of the Museum has beautifully made ship models relevant to Australia. As the museum is based in Sydney most of the Royal Australian Navy’s shops named HMAS Sydney are displayed. The largest and most impressive is the aircraft carrier, which has amazing detail.

Other models range from sailing ships to bulk iron ore carriers. All were important either for exploration or trade.

Model of The Royal Australian Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydney (III)
Model of The Royal Australian Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydney (III)
A model of BHP Pacific Iron
A model of BHP Pacific Iron
Sailing Ship Model Australian National Maritime Museum
Sailing Ship Model

Other Exhibits

Interesting displays located throughout the museum include the ships bell from USS Canberra (AG-2) which was named after HMAS Canberra, a heavy cruiser sunk during the Second World War. A 40mm cannon from a Royal Australian Navy ship lets you get a close up look at this important anti-aircraft weapon.

The Bell of USS Canberra CAG-2 Australian National Maritime Museum
The Bell of USS Canberra CAG-2
Spirit of Australia - The World's Fastest Boat 1978 Australian National Maritime Museum
Spirit of Australia – The World’s Fastest Boat 1978
Bofors 40mm cannon Australian National Maritime Museum
Bofors 40mm cannon
Up Close with a Figurehead
Deep Sea Diver Statue Australian National Maritime Museum
Deep Sea Diver Statue

HMAS Vampire

HMAS Vampire (II) D11 was a Daring class destroyer operated by the Royal Australian Navy.  Launched in 1959 and decommissioned in 1986. Entry to Vampire and the other ships is included in the ticket cost of the Maritime Museum (as of March 2024).

HMAS Vampire National Maritime Museum
HMAS Vampire
HMAS Vampire 4.5" Guns National Maritime Museum
HMAS Vampire 4.5″ Guns
Sick Bay of HMAS Vampire
Sick Bay of HMAS Vampire
Senior Ratings' Lounge HMAS Vampire
Senior Ratings’ Lounge HMAS Vampire

HMAS Onslow

HMAS Onslow was an Oberon class submarine of the Royal Australian Navy. Commissioned 1969 in and decommissioned in 1999. Walking through the submarine makes you realise how cramped the conditions are. This isn’t somewhere I would want to live months on end.

HMAS Onslow Warship Submarine
HMAS Onslow
Engine Room HMAS Onslow National Maritime Museum
Engine Room HMAS Onslow
Engine Room HMAS Onslow National Maritime Museum
Engine Room HMAS Onslow
Torpedo Room HMAS Onslow National Maritime Museum
Torpedo Room HMAS Onslow

Historical Fleet

The historical fleet contains ships that have importance to Australia’s maritime heritage. Possibly the most impressive to still be preserved is the Krait. This ex-Japanese fishing boat was used by Australia Special Forces during the Second World War to sneak into Singapore Harbour where they damaged 37,000 tonnes of Japanese ships.

HMAS Advance
HMAS Advance patrol boat
MV Krait
MV Krait
Lightship Carpentaria
Lightship Carpentaria
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Zig Zag Railway

Engine 218A built by Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA in 1943

Zig Zag Railway Blue Mountains Australia

Located in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia the historic Zig Zag Railway is a unique railway, with its zigzagging track and vintage steam locomotives. Offering an experience of travel in the late 19th century, it’s a must do if visiting Sydney.

History

The Zig Zag Railway’s story began in 1869, when the need arose to transport goods and passengers across the steep escarpment of the Blue Mountains. The existing railway line at the time was unable to handle the steep incline, and a more innovative solution was needed. The resulting design incorporated a series of switchbacks and tunnels that allowed trains to gradually climb the mountainside. Looking like a capital letter Z, the layout gave the track its name.

The Zig Zag Railway officially opened in 1870 and quickly became a vital transportation link between Sydney and the west of New South Wales. It played a crucial role in the development of the region, transporting coal, timber, and other essential goods.

Becoming a Tourist Attraction

Unfortunately, the Zig Zag Railway’s reign as the primary transportation route was short-lived. In 1910, the nearby Ten Tunnels Deviation opened, offering a more efficient and direct route. As a result, the Zig Zag Railway fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned.

However, in 1975, a group of volunteers formed the Zig Zag Railway Co-op and began the process of restoring the railway to its former glory. Reopening in 1977, the Zig Zag Railway offers visitors a chance to travel on heritage steam locomotives, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.

Getting There

Depending on where you board the train, you can either drive or arrive by train. From the upper station at Clarence, a large car park caters for visitors. If leaving from Clarence self drive is the best way to get there. Choosing to join at the lower points enables you to catch a train from Sydney. Just make sure the connecting times are right and you can board the train here.

The trip is booked as a return ticket, so you finish at the same station you started at. Booking is best done on line as the trains are often fully booked.

What to See

At Clarence, displays and exhibits detail the history of the railway, providing a great introduction to the visit. Exchange your online ticket for vintage style ticket at the gift shop, which has some interesting items for sale.

When the train arrives there is plenty of time to look at the carriages and locomotive. We were able to go into the cab, talk to the driver and look at the firebox.

As the train travels between stations a commentary explains the history and workings of the railway. It also points out places of interest such as the viaducts and tunnels. The viaducts are amazing with their arches and at one point you can see several at once, built into the escarpment.

The train stops twice each way so that the locomotive can change to the other end of the train to pull it on the next leg. Passengers are allowed out at these stops where you can look at some displays in the old stations. The signal box at one was also open, so we were able to see that as well.

Be aware that there are no allocated seats, so if you get off when you come back, someone may be sitting where you were when you return to the carriage.

Locomotive

On our trip, the locomotive was Steam Locomotive 218A built in 1902 by Beyer, Peacock & Company in Manchester, England.it was withdrawn from service in 1958 and later acquired by the Zig Zag Railway Co-op in 1975. It has since been restored to operational condition and is now used to haul passenger trains on the Zig Zag Railway.

Engine 218A built by Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA in 1943 an AC16 Class steam locomotive
Engine 218A built by Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA in 1943 an AC16 Class steam locomotive
The firebox in the locomotive
The firebox in the locomotive
Track patrol vehicle Zig Zag Railway
Track patrol vehicle
One of the viaducts along the track Zig Zag Railway
One of the viaducts along the track
One of three via ducts built along the track
View along the track during the train ride Zig Zag Railway
View along the track during the train ride
Locomotive changing ends
Locomotive changing ends
Signal Box Zig Zag Railway
Signal Box
Inside the signal box
Inside the signal box
Engine 218A built by Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA in 1943
Engine 218A built by Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA in 1943