Best Maritime Museum: Sydney Heritage Fleet

Fancy yourself a salty sea dog? The Sydney Heritage Fleet restores and maintains 50 heritage boats, the oldest of which, the tall ship James Craig, dates back all the way to 1874. The ship itself, a three-masted iron barque, was abandoned in 1932 until it was rescued by the Sydney Heritage Fleet and refloated and restored from 1972. This floating museum does not ascribe to the typical look-don’t-touch stuffy mantra of most other institutions. While the James Craig is berthed during the week in Pyrmont for guided tours from 10am-4pm daily, on weekends you can book a passage around the harbour or even take ‘er out to sea. What’s more, you can watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the deck if you book early enough. The Fleet also sails a range of impeccably kept steamboats, motorboats and a gentleman’s schooner. The Sydney Heritage Fleet docks at Wharf 7 in Pyrmont, where you can find the museum and the floating ships.( Jason Marshall) http://www.shf.org.au/ 9298 3888