Polly Woodside image

Polly Woodside

Tourist attraction Wedding venue Function room facility

1885 cargo vessel turned museum ship with guided tours, reenactments & family-oriented events. People often mention ship, good, great, Polly, time, history, kids, visit, tour, Woodside,


Address

21 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia

Website

www.pollywoodside.com.au

Contact

+61 3 9656 9889

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (388 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: ship (25) good (10) great (9) Polly (8) time (8) history (8) kids (8) visit (7) tour (7) Woodside (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nakul p. 1 year ago on Google • 103 reviews
    Polly Woodside was built in 1885 in Belfast as a three masted Iron Barge and covered around 1.5 million kms around the globe. It use to largely carry coal between England and South America but made many trips to Australia & NZ as well. The owner of the ship named it “Polly” after his wife Marian Woodside whose nickname was “Polly” because she talked all the time like a parrot. It’s worth checking out the Captain’s quarters and other crew’s rooms and how they lived and traveled through ships in those days. It is one of the very few ships in the world from that era that have survived and are on display for people to see today. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Melbourne city.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas R. 4 years ago on Google • 465 reviews
    A great place for school groups. Close to public transport and restaurants. I good place to come if you have young children and spend the day site seeing Melbourne.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul G. 6 years ago on Google • 328 reviews
    Were lucky to visit Melbourne during schoolholidays and ship open for visit on weekdays. Very well restored by volunteers. Good movie about the history and life on board of the ship; catapults one back in time. Can wander around freely and take time to have a good look from all angles. Very worthwhile visit and must see attraction.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana W. 3 months ago on Google • 849 reviews New
    Located at Southbank Melbourne, the Polly Woodside is a three masted old cargo vessel. Built in 1885 in Ireland & used to transport goods to South America from the UK, you can now do a tour of this grand old vessel for a small entry fee
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Daniel S. 7 years ago on Google • 49 reviews
    An interesting museum for those interested in naval history. There is a good movie explanation of the history of the ship. You can go on board the ship and have a good look around but cant to go right down into the very bottom of the ship. All in all, a very impressive and beautiful ship.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Steven H. 7 months ago on Google • 855 reviews
    Being a National Trust member has many advantages and one of them is free entry to most of their properties - the biggest travesty though is the NTV occupying a gorgeous heritage building and there being no access. Here is a thought, move into a normal office building and restore/make available the HQ to the public who support you. Anyway, Polly Woodside IS accessible to members. Primarily of interest to kids and shipping enthusiasts. We were in and out in 15mins.

  • 4/5 Sean N. 9 months ago on Google • 798 reviews
    Only walked past this ship at night so can’t comment on whether it’s actually worth visiting, but it appears to be well kept and from other reviews sounds like an interesting way to spend a couple of hours if you’re in the area. Located right in the Yarra there are numerous food and drink options nearby. One for lovers and connoisseurs of 19th century steam-powered colliers perhaps.

  • 5/5 Andrew W. 5 years ago on Google
    A great experience, very interactive tour of this unique historic attraction. The kids' tour was great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nolan J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great location
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacquie M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great tourists spot, lovely walk from tram, family friendly, surrounded by cafes, lovely view and dfo
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chris R. 6 years ago on Google
    Good for kids but not for grandparents. Just kidding!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Raymond G. 4 years ago on Google
    Right price and good place to walk around, plus educational experience about the different boats and items
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 t c. 4 years ago on Google • 79 reviews
    Amazing... We had 3 kids a 4, 5 and 7 year olds and they loved it. Sarah the tour care taker was amazing. Passionate and energetic to make it an educational and fun day for the girls. Don't wait and go for a day out with the kids.

  • 5/5 Happy D. 4 years ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Amazing ship to look at and go inside to see how they did things in the old days you'll have a good experience in something that has be around for so long.

  • 5/5 Paul P. 5 years ago on Google
    Excellent ship to visit. Very glad she was saved. A window into the past.

  • 4/5 Steven W. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting history about the Polly Woodside..

  • 3/5 Melissa C. 4 years ago on Google
    Only went to look at the boat. We seen it few months back. Didnt realise it was actually close to crowne or we woukd of went yesterday with more time. Only 3 stars cause we couldnt get real close to it. But yeah great if they opened it up on hilidsys

  • 5/5 Kelly H. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved the ship, especially the entrance.

  • 5/5 lazydazs 4 years ago on Google
    A great walk and even on cold days,the option is to shelter in "Jeff's Shed" exhibition indoor walkway.

  • 3/5 Ajit K. 4 years ago on Google
    I think it's ok ok, a small , kind of museum.

  • 3/5 Gerard W. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely

  • 3/5 Anthony B. 4 years ago on Google
    It's interesting

  • 5/5 Twenty One S. 2 years ago on Google
    A unique ceremony venue for adventure seekers and couples who're looking to tie the knot in a memorable way. It was such a pleasure to be here for David & Rebecca's wedding.

  • 5/5 Daniel L. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic adventure! I did not expect to have so much fun this Sunday morning learning about the Polly Woodside ship history. Super interesting ship and great setup by the National Trust. Jacinta is an amazing first mate, very knowledgeable and makes the whole experience so realistic that you feel included in the history of the ship. Sadly, I will not be returning to the next adventure. I am afraid of the 6 hour scrubbing shift hahahaha

  • 5/5 Michael C. 4 months ago on Google • 47 reviews
    Very unique ambiance. Cool place to gather colleagues and friends! Food was great and service was really friendly, even gave us facts about the ship.

  • 5/5 Amitabh K. 5 years ago on Google
    Good to old days ship and design... Got place to eat and have relaxation time.

  • 5/5 makarem S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A tourist attraction (Original) مزار سياحى

  • 4/5 Maria V. 4 years ago on Google
    Great views of lights reflecting on the water at dusk :)

  • 3/5 Jade W. 5 years ago on Google
    My son and hubby went aboard, quite pricey especially if don't do the tour. My son (4) enjoyed it

  • 4/5 AMC Products & T. 1 year ago on Google
    The dock was dry and empty in October 2009 for the construction. You might see how that ship was set in the ship dock.

  • 5/5 Star DJ H. 1 year ago on Google
    We played for a corporate party here last Friday. We had a great time and event got a good feedback from our client. Roan even called us before to confirm if everything is all good. Thank you team! Looking forward to working with you again.

  • 5/5 Matthew R. 6 months ago on Google
    Pirates day was amazing my boy loved it!

  • 4/5 Alsaudphotography by o. 4 years ago on Google
    Quite good for walking

  • 2/5 Ryan W. 8 months ago on Google
    Very frustrating that it's only open to the public 8 hours a month this time of year... Yet it seems to operate quite frequently for private bookings.

  • 4/5 Francisco 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful waterfront with restaurants and shopping centers. Interesting place, you must visit it (Original) Hermosa Costanera con restaurantes y centros comerciales. Interesante lugar, debes visitarlo

  • 5/5 Катя �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Boat trip for children (Original) На корабле экскурсия для детей

  • 5/5 Verity N. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth it every time!

  • 5/5 WoodyPeckers P. 4 years ago on Google
    take her out of water to preserve her !!

  • 4/5 Alex du P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice spot to learn about some naval history

  • 5/5 Gene S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful ole ship!

  • 5/5 beno b. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely brilliant. Took the kids on the kids crew tour today. The gentleman running the tour was terrific with all the kids. Made things very fun and easy for the kids to understand all aspects of the boat. We will definitely return again at some stage.

  • 5/5 dianne b. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice walk

  • 4/5 Circle K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's a good photo spot, you can also take a boat (Original) 是個不錯的拍照景點,也可以搭船喔

  • 5/5 Mahana D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Superb activity during which children and adults learn how the sailors lived in this type of ship. Children are invited to do activities that put them in a situation to get a glimpse of life on board. Very nice family outing. (Original) Superbe activité pendant laquelle enfants et adultes apprennent comment les marins vivaient dans ce type de navire. Les enfants sont invités à faire des activités les mettant en situation pour avoir un aperçu de la vie à bord. Très chouette sortie en famille.

  • 4/5 Liam D. 4 years ago on Google
    nice.

  • 3/5 Dave M. 4 years ago on Google
    Slow day at the office

  • 5/5 Neil T. 4 years ago on Google
    Melbourne's tall ship.

  • 4/5 Sandeep P. 4 years ago on Google
    A wonderful ship. Staff were amazing. Beautiful and well maintained ship. Kid enjoy exploring all the areas. All the areas are kid friendly. On the deck, there are lots of photographic opportunity.

  • 5/5 samriti j. 4 years ago on Google
    Total fun

  • 5/5 Nirakar S. 4 years ago on Google
    Polly

  • 4/5 Linda A. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful day to visit

  • 5/5 Dylan J. W. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a freaking ship.

  • 5/5 Lucy M. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a boat.

  • 4/5 Charles R. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting exhibition and film

  • 4/5 Darren R. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting to explore...great way to fill an afternoon

  • 5/5 Tavern C. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a boat!

  • 3/5 Aisha A. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice place there is a bridge and a large archaeological shipyards and yards to review the place is fun (Original) مكان جميل هناك جسر وسفينة اثريه كبيرة وساحات للاستعراض المكان ممتع

  • 4/5 The C. 4 years ago on Google
    So much history here but someone needs to get in the water surrounding the ship and clean it out Very friendly staff

  • 5/5 Les S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great boat, I remember 50 years ago it was just a hulk sitting in the river


Call +61 3 9656 9889 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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