Tall Ship James Craig

The basics

You can explore the Tall Ship James Craig at anchor in its berth in Darling Harbour or experience it on a Sydney Harbour cruise, which run on select weekend days throughout the year. Tickets generally include a box lunch with morning or afternoon tea and there’s a licensed bar on board. Families should note that, for safety reasons, children under 12 are not allowed out to sea.

Things to know before you go

• The Tall Ship James Craig is a great choice for history buffs, sailors, and families—though age restrictions apply for ocean voyages.

• Cruises generally last around six hours and pass through Sydney Heads into the open ocean. If you’re visiting the ship at berth, allow about an hour to explore inside and capture photos.

• The Tall Ship James Craig is not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or guests who rely on wheelchairs.

How to get there

The Tall Ship James Craig is berthed in Darling Harbour, where cruises depart. It’s about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the Sydney Opera House. From Sydney Central Station, catch the light rail to Pyrmont Bay and walk for five minutes.

When to get there

The Tall Ship James Craig is usually at its berth Monday through Friday, but goes sailing either on publicly available cruises or for private hire on some weekend days. There are occasional longer trips and New Year’s Eve outings to catch the fireworks in Sydney Harbour, but you’ll need to book these top-dollar experiences well in advance.

Discovering the Sydney Heritage Fleet

The Tall Ship James Craig is the oldest of the heritage vessels you can sail on Sydney Harbour, but the Sydney Heritage Fleet has other craft that will delight sail obsessives. The 1902 Waratah steam tug lets you cruise around Sydney Harbour to the gentle put-put of a steam engine, which engineers are happy to show you. From the same year, the Lady Hopetoun steam launch lets you experience the harbor in high Edwardian style.