William The Fourth Cruises
ProHighlights
- Working replica of the first ocean-going steamship built in Australia, launched in 1831
- Private charters for up to 54 passengers, charged by the hour
- Ramp boarding at Lee Wharf, awnings on deck and a crew of trained volunteers
About William The Fourth Cruises
William the Fourth is a full-size, working replica of the first ocean-going steamship built in Australia. The original was launched in 1831 at Clarence Town and spent decades carrying cargo and passengers along the coast. The replica was built at Raymond Terrace as a bicentenary project, launched in 1987, and later rescued from the scrapyard by a community association that rebuilt it with donated funds and volunteer labour. Today the ship is owned by that association and run entirely by volunteers, with a qualified master and engineer on every trip. A modern diesel engine and bow thruster now do the work, while the original-style steam machinery stays in place for show. At 32 metres long with timber decks, masts and paddlewheels, she gives a slower, old-fashioned view of the harbour, the port traffic and the city foreshore. The ship is available for private charter at an hourly rate for groups of up to 54, at any time the volunteer crew can be rostered. Charters suit weddings, birthdays, client functions and family occasions, and the crew can arrange refreshments when you book. Between charters the ship runs public history cruises and morning or afternoon tea cruises on set Sundays. Boarding is from the Lee Wharf pontoon at Honeysuckle, by a gentle ramp that works for wheelchairs and walking frames, though a mobility scooter will not fit on the gangway. The main deck is open with awnings for shade and rain, there are rooms below for poor weather, and there are separate ladies and gents toilets. Every cruise includes commentary from the crew.
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Wharfs & Availability
Frequently asked questions
How many people can charter William the Fourth?
Private charters take any number of passengers up to 54. The charter is priced at an hourly rate, so smaller groups can also book the whole ship.
Where does the ship leave from?
William the Fourth is moored at the Lee Wharf pontoon, 5 Honeysuckle Drive in Newcastle, and charters board there. There is public parking nearby in the Honeysuckle precinct.
Is the ship wheelchair accessible?
Yes. A gentle ramp leads on board and suits wheelchairs and walkers. A mobility scooter is too long for the gangway, so check with the crew if someone uses one.
What if the weather turns bad?
The master decides just before departure whether it is safe to leave the wharf, and the ship usually sails unless severe weather is forecast. Awnings cover the open deck and there are rooms below deck for shelter.
Who crews the ship?
A team of trained volunteers from William the Fourth Inc., the community group that owns her, led by a certificated master and marine engineer. Charter times depend on crew being available, so book well ahead.
Suitable occasions
Wendy Lawson
3 months ago
Enjoyed the morning out on William the Forth. Staff were friendly and happy to chat with lots of interesting history. Homemade morning tea, sooo yum. It was absolutely freezing with the light showers and wind around but…
jen quinn
3 months ago
Just great! Helpful, knowledgeable volunteer staff, fabulous baked goodies, will have to go again, when Mother Nature is in a better mood...
Victoria Hamilton-Russell
a year ago
A great day out on William the Fourth with family for birthdays. The crew has a lot of interesting information about the harbour and the history of the area. They were a friendly lot. The lunch provided was plentiful. E…
Wendy Jobse
2 years ago
Highly recommend going on this cruise, the staff were amazing, very relaxing, we did the lunch cruise, food was lovely! I wouldn't hesitate to do this again.
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