Best Pirate Ships In Melbourne Near Me

4worldlovers: After travelling 1.5 million miles across the globe, the Polly Woodside now welcomes you aboard

Built in Belfast in 1885, the three-masted cargo vessel carried coal and wheat between England and South America. You can join the crew, come aboard for a tour of the ship and discover what life was like on a tall ship sailing the seven seas.

We offer two different experiences aboard the Polly Woodside, depending on what your interests.


Come aboard and explore at your own pace or join one of our guided tours. Please arrive a few minutes early if you would like to join a tour. Each tour is approximately 45 – 60 minutes. Open day tours operate at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

Special inclusion at July’s Open Day at Polly Woodside (along with our usual tours), with Denis Robertson attending for a book signing between 2.00pm and 4.00pm on Sunday 2nd July, 2023.

Denis’s book – ‘E. Graeme Robertson’ is a biography on his Father, who led the restoration of the Polly Woodside between 1968 and 1975. The chapter on the ship emphasises the importance of sailing ships in the discovery of Australia by Europeans and then in the conduct of trade with the rest of the world. The work of many people who contributed to the success of the restoration is recorded.

‘E. Graeme Roberston’ will be available to purchase onsite and Denis will be available to sign and answer any questions you may have.

Come along and experience the pirate life. We encourage dressing up and participating in Fashions on the Plank, receive your pirate tattoo (washable!) and your very own pirate name. Our captain will have the kids scrubbing the deck, swinging the rope and going on a treasure hunt. Arrr the pirate’s life for you!

Fashions on the Plank – we encourage the kids to dress up as a pirate for this

4worldlovers: Riverside Park is a well designed and beautifully themed playground that overlooks the picturesque Maribyrnong river. It makes for a magical outing in the West of Melbourne.


The playground is divided into two parts; One side is characterized by a large climbing tower and enclosed slide, as well as rope climbing obstacles to cater for older children. The other half is a life-sized pirate ship, named “Black Sapphire”.

The pirate ship section happened to be where we spent most of our time climbing, exploring, and playing in the “sea” of sand. Bucket and spade is a must for treasure seekers!

I personally loved the treasure map fixed to the mast of the ship, as well as the treasure chest, both serving to complete the buccaneer theme and encourage imaginative play. Almaas loved the bell and the wooden ship wheel.

There are so many little details to discover in this playground, and I can only assume that locals would not grow tired of it! We visited on a weekday which meant it wasn’t bustling with large groups and a mass of children, however I hear it gets very busy on weekends and public holidays.

Riverside Park has all the usual features in terms of multiple sheltered seating areas, BBQ facilities, and well maintained toilets (dual automatic block). It even has its own community library that operates on an honour system. The park is framed by a walking path that follows the Maribyrnong.

All in all this space makes for a fantastic outing with its variety in play equipment (sand play, climbing obstacles, imaginative play), a beautifully themed pirate playground, and picturesque surrounds with greenery and river views.