Polly Woodside
📍 South Wharf, VIC
Restored 1885 cargo vessel docked at South Wharf. Monthly Pirate Day events run on the third Sunday, with costumed entertainers, ship exploration, and a sausage sizzle kiosk on site.
Took our 5 and 7 year olds to Pirate Day (3rd Sunday of the month). My son is right into ships at the moment so he loved the opportunity to go on a real one. There was a great balance of activities to fill a couple of hours alongside plenty of opportunities to explore the ship either in a group or at the end when some people started leaving. The pirates were great and kept the children nicely entertained. It was a really fun day out (there was an ice cream stand and ferris wheel nearby while we waited). Activities likely too young for an older child (8/9+).
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children aged 4–10 who respond to interactive costumed experiences rather than passive museum displays. Pirate Day on the third Sunday is the standout visit — unscheduled visits outside events offer less structured engagement. Book ahead as sessions sell out.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →436 Google reviews
Gemma Robson
a year ago
“Took our 5 and 7 year olds to Pirate Day (3rd Sunday of the month). My son is right into ships at the moment so he loved the opportunity to go on a real one. There was a great balance of activities to fill a couple of hours alongside plenty of opportunities to explore the ship either in a group or at the end when some people started leaving. The pirates were great and kept the children nicely entertained. It was a really fun day out (there was an ice cream stand and ferris wheel nearby while we waited). Activities likely too young for an older child (8/9+).”
P. P.
6 months ago
“We attended the Pirate Day and it was absolutely beyond our expectations. Our 6 years old had the best time of his life and loved every minute of it. There’s a little food kiosks on site with gold coin donation sausage sizzle and barista coffee for tired parents. The event was creative, well thought out and well worth the ticket price. The kids had so much fun while learning little facts about the ship and the life of its crew. 10/10 event!”
Benjamin Clark
2 months ago
“We were so fortunate to figure out Pirate Day was falling the next day. The entertainers, especially Pirate Jellyfish was so engaging and great with the kids. Our daughter was enamoured from the moment she stepped on deck. If you haven't visited but often walked passed do you and your family a favour and book.”
Yes I will marry you! Liz Pforr
5 months ago
“You could easily miss this historic vessel as it’s sandwiched between buildings but it’s pretty special moored right in the city.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Polly Woodside is a genuine 1885 iron-hulled barque moored between Melbourne's Convention Centre and Southbank. Monthly Pirate Day events draw strong reviews for engaging entertainers and structured deck activities lasting a couple of hours. Kids can explore below decks and on the rigging. A small kiosk sells coffee and gold-coin sausage sizzle. Easy to miss from street level — the ship is tucked between buildings, so look for the mast.
