Steam Tug: Wattle Steam Tug: Wattle

The historic steam tug Wattle was launched at Cockatoo Island in 1933 and worked with the Royal Australian Navy until 1969, then Wattle arrived in Melbourne in 1979 to become an iconic sight steaming on pleasure cruises around Port Phillip.

The tug was lifted ashore in 2009 for restoration by a dedicated team of volunteers and re-launched in 2015. Now fully-refurbished Wattle has returned to operational status, and is once again providing cruises.

Wattle is operated by Bay Steamers Maritime Museum, a not-for-profit organisation registered as a Charitable Institution and endorsed as a Deductible Goods Recipient. The objects of the Museum are the preservation, restoration and operation of historic ships, and the promotion and encouragement of interest in Australian maritime history.

Wattle's History

There are several distinct eras in the history of this vessel.

RAN Career, 1932 to 1969: Wattle's construction and career as a non-commissioned vessel of the Royal Australian Navy.

Saved from the Scrapyard, 1969 to 1979: Sydney-based enthusiasts rescue Wattle from a trip to the scrapyard, forming an association with the Sydney Heritage Fleet.

Melbourne Pleasure Steamer, 1979 to 2007: A volunteer group brings Wattle to Melbourne to restore, then it becomes an iconic sight on Port Phillip, sailing on outings and excursions.

Restoration Journey, 2007 to 2015: Wattle is hoisted onto the hard to undergo major restoration work.

Back in the Water, 2015 to present: Wattle returns to the water for further restoration, and in 2019 sails again on Port Phillip.

❊ Address ❊

 ⊜  Shed 2 North Wharf Rd, Docklands 3008 View Map
 ✆ Telephone: +61 410 471 819

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Steam Tug: Wattle 

➼ Bay Steamers Maritime Museum

➼ www.tugwattle.org.au






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