The Sydney Heritage Fleet offers groups a range of educational programs with the goal of increasing the understanding of our nation’s rich maritime heritage.

We specialise in providing experimental, hands-on living history education programs to school aged children. The programs include daytime and overnight programs aboard the tall ship, the James Craig giving opportunities to encounter adventure on an authentic tall ship and experience a taste of 19th Century maritime living.

Whether you are a school group learning about the First Fleet, looking for a camping experience you won’t forget; or perhaps you’re looking for a corporate team building exercise that is a little bit different … from simply touring to roaming the high seas, the Sydney Heritage Fleet has a custom tailored package that suits your needs.

Our packages are all led by our Youth Program team assisted in delivery by experienced SHF volunteers, all of whom are familiar with the operation of the ship and have Working with Children clearance. Risk assessments have been undertaken where appropriate and are available on request.

A Sailors Life for Me!

Think you have what it takes to sail a real tall ship?

Spend an afternoon in the shoes of a nineteenth-century sailor – work like they worked and play like they played! Explore the secrets of an original 1874 tall ship on an exclusive tour of the James Craig; heave cargo, hoist sails, dance the hornpipe and swab the decks, all while the ship remains safely moored at Wharf 7 in Pyrmont Bay.

For groups whose participants are ages 12+, our mast climbing challenge is also available.

Perfect for: Cubs and Scouts, Brownies and Guides, school excursions, vacation care, sailing clubs, sports teams, youth groups and any other groups of young people seeking an experience they will never forget!

If you have a specific theme or curriculum point to cover, please get in contact with our Education Team who are always excited to tailor programs to cater to your group’s learning needs, at youthprograms@shf.org.au.

Day excurison

Join us for a hands on, interactive learning experience as we explore what living on a tall ship was like in the past, and how that is different to the present. While safely moored at Wharf 7 in Pyrmont, we can hoist sails, scrub decks, decipher maritime codes, learn sea shanties and more!

The James Craig Day Excursion can be a ‘just for fun’ excursion, or a curated learning experience tailored to the group’s learning needs! Get in touch with our education team at youthprograms@shf.org.au.

Perfect for: Primary School and vacation care groups.

Incurisons

The experience: We can bring some of our best James Craig experiences to your Sydney based classroom or vacation care centre. Crack secret maritime code, sing sea shanties, handle real tall ship objects and stack and steal precious cargo from fellow ‘explorers’ in an action packed 2 hours of learning and fun. 

Our education team will bring a range of artefacts, games and expertise to teach students all about life on a tall ship and navigation in the age of discovery, sail and trade.

The James Craig Incursion can be a ‘just for fun’ activity, or a curated learning experience tailored to classroom learning outcomes. Get in touch with our education team at info@shf.org.au. Our most popular programs include: 

–  First Contacts – Life as an early explorer

– Vacation Care games and activities (school holidays or after school care)

Cost: $270 for a 2hr incursion (up to 40 students per session)