The MV Cape Don was a government lighthouse tender vessel on the Australian coast from 1963 to 1991. She was built in Newcastle by the State Dockyard as a unique class of ship that was purpose-built to service navigational aids (including manned lighthouses), primarily along the Western Australian & Northern Territory coasts. These days she is retired from active duty and undergoing restoration on Sydney Harbour, with the intent of her eventually becoming a "Commonwealth Lighthouse Service" museum and training ship.

Beautiful place to explore. You can catch the train to Waverton Station. It’s about 800m walk to the Coal Loader and Balls Bay track. There’s plenty to see and do. It’s a relatively flat walk to McMahon’s Point along the harbour foreshore with great views of Balmain, White Bay, Cockle Bay and Barangaroo.

A really friendly group of enthusiasts who work hard on restoring the ship The Cape Don. We took a tour onboard and it was gently paced but showed us all over the vessel. We will go back again.

A great experience, to actually be able to go onboard this classic old vessel and witness first hand the way they built ships in Australia in the 60's. Thank God she avoided the breakers!! Highly recommend the ship tours, very interesting & so much to see. A great day.

A awesone bit of history. Be renovated by a dedicated group volunteers.Open days start 24th march 2018.

I love boats, ships and Cape Don is no exception. It has a history and feeling all of its own. I've been through the 🚢 ship with a tour guide. Love to watch the sunset whilst the The Don sits calmly tired up to the Coal Loader. Come see for yourself, bring the fam and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Really cool place, would highly recommend going for the tours there

Preserving our maritime history for future generations is a must... this is a passionate restoration of the MV Cape Don by tireless volunteers who we can't thank enough for their dedication and hard work. 💖

Good experience to explore this boat and learn the history of this place

I like the Australian Naval Base Wheeling Walking Course.

Wonderful old Commonwealth Lighthouse Supply Ship, now a museum and training ship. Looked after by a dedicated bunch of volunteers. Public tours should be recommencing shortly, after the Covid pause for public access. Highly recommend you go and check this beautiful ship out, once tours start, and support the restoration. It's surprising what is packed in this little beauty.

Watched the fire works on New year's from the top deck and proposed to my wife.

Really great place. View is nice. A piece of maritime history.

my favorite place

Went for a tour on Sunday a few weeks ago the amount of knowledge that the guides have is outstanding. Will be going back soon to see how much work has progessed since my last visit.

As a frequent traveler on the Cape pillar, this site brought back many memories of resupplies when I was lighthouse keeper on Swan, Tasman and Maatsuyker Island. I look forward to visiting your museum later this year.