Experience Our Working Harbour Onboard William the Fourth
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a beautiful working harbour, aboard an authentic replica of one of the first Australian-built cargo ships that worked the harbour in the early days.
This Is How Experiences Are Made
Nowhere else can you feel you are going back in time. The unique character of William the Fourth inspires all forms of emotion. Enjoy the serenity or soak up the grand vistas of the Newcastle city panorama from the harbour. You know this is not like any other voyage as you sense what life was like for our pioneer forefathers. We know you will never forget it and we will see you again.
A Brief History Of William The Fourth
William the Fourth is an accurate operational replica of Australia’s first steam powered ocean-going paddlewheel ship.
When convict settlement was established at Newcastle from 1801, ships were the only form of transport. Within 30 years the settlement of fertile lands along the Hunter River and a growing coal trade – Australia’s first significant export industry, enabled the era of steam ships. In 1831 – when the Australian Agricultural Company began to have a profound impact on Newcastle, a shipyard was established at Clarencetown, taking advantage of the excellent timbers, to construct Australia’s first steam-powered ocean-going ship – William the Fourth, to operate between Sydney and the growing settlement inland from the ‘Green Hills’ now known as Morpeth.
There were almost no roads, and the graveyard of shipwrecks at the harbour entrance is testimony to the many hazards our local pioneers faced. The ship was a general carrier, transporting produce to the markets in Sydney and every product the settlers needed to live in the valley. It’s hard for us to imagine the hardships they faced, but their enterprise and determination developed the characteristics that are still in our blood today. By its very unique nature William the Fourth still serves as a faithful testimony to that tough pioneering and maritime heritage.
The replica William the Fourth was constructed as a community 1988 Bi-Centenary Project at Raymond Terrace, at a cost of $1.5 million and was launched on 26 September 1987 by Mrs Hazel Hawke. During construction hundreds of people purchased engraved copper nails – still in the ship’s hull, and since then thousands more have enjoyed the experience of the ship whilst learning of our maritime heritage. The replica operated commercial cruises on Newcastle Harbour and the Hunter River for 14 years until a boiler leak put it out of service in 2001. It was earmarked to be dismantled.
In 2008 a community-based organisation, William the Fourth Inc. was formed to take ownership from Newcastle City Council and complete a total restoration of the ship and return it to service. Difficulty in raising funds delayed the restoration for 10 years but with generous public and corporate support, work valued at over $650,000 was completed without incurring debt. As part of the full refurbishment a powerful diesel engine with propeller, as well as bow thruster were installed to maximise availability and overcome the issues presented by steam and paddlewheel propulsion (whilst retaining and simulating the steam experience).
William the Fourth provides the ideal platform to showcase the beauty of the city from the harbour.
It is available as a floating display, a unique venue for on-board refreshments and functions, and also has an operating licence to undertake corporate and tourist charters in sheltered waters. Charters are based on an hourly rate, for any number of passengers up to 54. Operations are available at any time, subject to availability of volunteer crew.
What We Do
Available For Charter
Business or private functions. The perfect venue for any organisation to give your clients or guests an experience to remember. We have a range of options available. Call or email for details.
The ship on the harbour is the perfect special venue to celebrate your special event. Weddings, parties, anything. Invite your family and friends and make your own special event.
HIstory Cruises
Usually on the third Sunday of a month – a 3-hour themed cruise of the harbour explores all aspects of our region’s history and culture.
Check the cruise schedule for new events continually being added. Departing at 10.30am.
Morning and Afternoon Tea cruises
Usually on the first and third Sundays of each month - a 90-minute harbour cruise including morning tea departs at 10.30am.
Check the cruise schedule for new events continually being added.
UPDATE. The deck replacement project has made a major improvement to the ship. Unfortunately, the only dock in Newcastle has been temporarily closed for upgrades, just before we were due to be lifted from the water for survey inspection. We are required to complete survey before returning to operations. We expect to be slipped and back in service very soon.
Purchase a GIFT VOUCHER
The perfect gift for family or friends, or if you can’t choose a cruise date.
Purchase a certificate to the value of one of our cruises. Customised vouchers available on request.
Only $30 For use on all of our harbour cruises.
Only $60 For morning or afternoon tea for 2 adults.
Only $85 For a family of 4 (Children up to 12 yrs)
OTHER VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
To redeem a voucher, select your cruise and tickets. Enter the voucher code at CHECKOUT.
Get more ideas on what to do on the
Newcastle Travel Guide
To see our complete current timetable
and book – CLICK HERE
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As Seen On TV:
TV series 'The Great Outdoors' in 1990, showing the replica under full steam.
A quick glimpse of the ship at work on Newcastle Harbour 2019.
William The Fourth begins harbour cruises again
What you can expect on one of our harbour cruises
Some Recent Comments From Delighted Passengers and TripAdvisor Members
The whole crew were very committed to making sure we had a lovely day as well as keeping us informed of the history of Newcastle as we sailed past each site of interest.
The day turned out to be sunny and the ocean was like a millpond. The crew were very happy and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. They made sure all the Covid rules were abided by.
The High tea was to die for. We had fresh home-made baking at it’s finest. I have had High Tea at Harrods and this was on par. There was even a small card to let everyone know the selections from quiche, scones, Rose cupcake, Lemon Meringue Tart to name but a few.
I would highly recommend that we support this Newcastle venture and bring your friends for a beautiful day out to celebrate a special occasion.