What will you see at Berrys Bay?
The proposed new home for Sydney Heritage Fleet in Berrys Bay will have a mix of elements, all centred around the theme of the Museum of Sydney Harbour.
Proposed Museum of Sydney Harbour – home of Sydney Heritage Fleet in Berrys Bay
But when the plans come to fruition what will visitors actually see there?
Historic vessels with interesting stories
Sydney Heritage Fleet will have at its new home its significant operational vessels, with the exception of Barque James Craig which will be a periodic visitor.
Fleet Flagship, Vice-Regal Steam Yacht Lady Hopetoun will be there as an example of a Berrys Bay-built vessel (1902); Steam Tug Waratah, built at Cockatoo Island, also in 1902 will be there; so, too, will graceful gentleman’s Schooner Boomerang (1903).
Joining her centenarian sisters is Harbour Launch Protex, dating from 1908; and the youngsters, two more launches, Harman (1943) and Berrima (1955). Former Manly speedboat Kookaburra II, also from the 1950s, will be in the Woodleys Shipyard workshop undergoing a refit.
Like James Craig, SHF’s most recent restoration, Pilot Vessel John Oxley will be a periodic visitor.
Ashore will be the Fleet’s remarkable collection of Sydney Harbour small craft, from VJs to 18-footers, watermen’s skiffs to elegant rowing boats, and interesting motorboats. A collection of varied marine engines, many operational, rounds out the onshore displays.
One of the purposes of the Museum of Sydney Harbour is to put all the Fleet’s vessels and artefacts in context and tell their stories as they relate to Sydney Harbour. You will be able to see them, hear and see their stories and have the opportunity to explore Sydney Harbour aboard several of the major vessels.
Woodleys Shipyard Experience
The SHF has long been known for its historic vessel restorations - all those which will be on display at Berrys Bay have been restored by the Fleet.
The Woodleys workshops will carry out only running maintenance on the operational vessels.
No major vessel restoration work will take place at Berrys Bay. The SHF will retain its restoration base in Rozelle Bay as long as necessary.
The Woodleys Shipyard will be open to visitors - in safe zones - and will feature small wooden boat repair and maintenance alongside crew members maintaining the historic fleet. An interesting and varied mix.
Museum of Sydney Harbour HQ
Here you will see the core of the Sydney Harbour story presented in such a way that visitors of all ages and interests will come to understand the structure, history and changing dynamics of Sydney Harbour as it witnessed pre-colonial times, and the foundations, growth and development of Sydney, as a city built from the sea.
Library, Research Centre and Ship Model workshop
The old Woodleys administration building is set to house the Museum library, research centre and a workshop for the SHF ship modellers. Freedom to browse the extensive library, see changing displays of maritime heritage documents, books and maps, and engage with the researchers and model makers will appeal to many.
An active place – things for the community and visitors to do
The Museum of Sydney Harbour has an active side, too.
Woodleys Shed will provide racks for community members to store canoes, kayaks and small dinghies. A launching ramp makes it easy to go for a paddle, with changing rooms available, too.
There’s an activity deck which will feature things with a maritime theme to entertain youngsters of all ages.
For local boat owners, berths on the small marina will be available, with amenities ashore.
And after the activity, a coffee, or light lunch in the cafe with views across Berrys Bay and the heritage vessels.
A community place!
Some of Sydney Heritage Fleet’s historic vessels on Sydney Harbour, five of them more than 100 years old. (Photograph: David Baker)
Just some of the Sydney Harbour small craft and heritage marine engines in the Museum Collection
In the workshop – Finishing touches to new blocks for ship’s rigging
An SHF model maker at work
Activities on the wharf, shared with visitors – Repairing a sail
Kayak, canoe and dinghy storage, and a launch ramp in Woodleys Shed will give easy and quick access to the Harbour. Changing rooms, too, available for paddlers.
A waterfront promenade linking Carradah Park to the Quarantine Station, a waterside cafe, things to see and do, the exhibits of the Museum of Sydney Harbour, plus tours on the Harbour in Sydney Heritage Fleet’s historic vessels. An active community place.