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 worksJohn Oxley officer’s quartersJohn Oxley pilots’ area and stairs to lower deckJohn Oxley restored kitchenJohn Oxley restoration of interior underwayJohn Oxley Steam Ship
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 bow viewSteam Tug Waratah port viewSteam Tug Waratah bridge and main deckSteam Tug Waratah looking down from KanangraSteam Tug Waratah
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 sideMotor Launch HarmanMotor Launch Harman port aft view
