Overview

The Belfast-built Polly Woodside ferried coal and nitrate between Europe and South America until 1904 when she was sold to New Zealanders, who renamed her Rona. She then plied the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean until being decommissioned and sold to the Australian National Trust. Teams of volunteers lovingly restored her to her former glory and rechristened her Polly Woodside. She now sits in the only wooden dry dock left in the world and is the center piece of the Melbourne Maritime Museum. Facilities include a gift shop, small cafe, barbecues and picnic areas.

NOTE: The museum is currently closed for renovations and will reopen in late 2009.