Steam Tug Waratah (1902) Cruise on Sydney Harbour

The steam tug Waratah, built in 1902, is one of the most significant surviving examples of early twentieth century working vessels in Australia. Operated today by the Sydney Heritage Fleet, the tug offers an important link to the industrial and maritime history of Sydney Harbour.

The tug was constructed at Cockatoo Dockyards in 1902 and named Burundah, although this was changed to Waratah in 1918. She worked on Sydney Harbour for 50 years but by the late 1940s her age restricted her to Newcastle Harbour. After a refit in 1956 she was equipped as a buoy tender, operating on this role until 1968 when she was handed over to the Heritage Fleet.

The transition of the vessel to the Sydney Heritage Fleet marked an important step in ensuring its survival. Recognising its historical significance and relatively intact condition, the Fleet undertook extensive work to stabilise and restore the tug. This program included repairs to the hull, maintenance of the steam engine and boiler, and restoration of the vessel’s fittings and superstructure. The aim was not only to preserve the tug as a static exhibit but to keep it in working order, allowing it to demonstrate traditional steam propulsion to contemporary audiences.

Today, the steam tug Waratah serves both educational and heritage purposes. Although its operational schedule depends on maintenance requirements and volunteer availability, the tug is periodically steamed for public events, harbour excursions, and heritage demonstrations.

Harbour Cruise

We were fortunate to get tickets to a Waratah Sydney Harbour cruise in November 2025. Leaving the dock at Rozelle Bay at 11:00 am, the four hour cruise took us through most of the important areas and sights around Sydney Harbour.

Getting There

Located in Rozelle Bay, the Heritage Fleet is a little way out of the Sydney CBD. Some of the other passengers on the crise chose to drive, although parking was hard to find and some distance away. We decided to use public transport, catching the light rail from Central and getting off at the Rozelle Bay stop. From here it was an easy ten-minute walk to the dock.

The Cruise

The tug is in excellent condition and passengers were allowed into most areas. This includes the engine room, upper deck and bridge. Although four hours sounds like a long time to be out, the changing scenery amazing views meant that the time flew by.

The Bridge of the Waratah Steam Tug Waratah (1902) Cruise on Sydney Harbour — The Bridge of the Waratah

Upper deck and lifeboat Steam Tug Waratah (1902) Cruise on Sydney Harbour — Upper deck and lifeboat

ANZAC Bridge

The first sight after leaving the dock was the ANZAC Bridge, which we have driven over any times but never seen from beneath. From the water, you can even see the ANZAC coat of arms, something we didn’t know about until a crew member pointed it out.

Glebe Island Bridge

Sitting next to the ANZAC Bridge is the old Glebe Island Bridge which it replaced. This is a rotating bridge, where the centre section rotates to permit ships to pass while the ANZAC Bridge is tall enough for them to sail underneath. We passed close enough that we could see the rotating mechanism and gears.

Barangaroo and Darling Harbour

Something that we have seen before is Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, although the view from the water never gets old.

Barangaroo and the entrance to Darling Harbour

Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House

The most iconic Sydney views though are the Bridge and Opera House. From the Waratah we had beautiful views of both along with the third must see a Manly Ferry.

Sydney Harbour Bridge Steam Tug Waratah (1902) Cruise on Sydney Harbour — Sydney Harbour Bridge

Australian maritime flag, the Opera House and the city of Sydney Steam Tug Waratah (1902) Cruise on Sydney Harbour — Australian maritime flag, the Opera House and the city of Sydney

Fort Denison

We have tried to get to Fort Denison for years, but unfortunately it is closed. However, the Waratah sailed right around it and close enough that we were able to get a great look. Fort Denison was constructed on a small island and formed a vital part of Sydney’s defence from 1857.

Fort Dennison Steam Tug Waratah (1902) Cruise on Sydney Harbour — Fort Dennison

Cockatoo Island

We have visited Cockatoo Island several times, so a view from the water brings back some great memories. Originally a convict site and later dock yard it is now disused and heritage listed. There are interesting convict buildings to see in addition to the industrial dockyards, much of which can still be seen. Our blog on Cockatoo Island can be found here.

Goat Island

Another of Sydney Harbour’s islands that we have been able to visit is Goat Island, Access here is restricted and we visited with a National Parks and Wildlife Guide. Our blog on Goat Island can be found here.

Luna Park

Old Warehouses

Most of Sydney’s old warehouses have been refurbished like these colourful ones we saw below.

Ships Boats and Ferries

As expected, the Harbour was full of ships and boats. They varied from super yachts to bulk carriers, including ferries, tall ships and Royal Australian Navy ships.

The Square Rigger, Three-Masted Barquentine Southern Swan

Cruise Ship Celebrity Edge docked at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal Steam Tug Waratah (1902) Cruise on Sydney Harbour — Cruise Ship Celebrity Edge docked at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal

What Did We Think?

This was a fantastic trip, not only did we sail on the Waratah, but we had amazing views of Sydney Harbour. Proceeds from the trip went to help the Sydney Heritage Fleet to fund its ongoing operations.