The vacant wharf between the Opera House and the Rocks passenger terminal has been conspicuously absent for some time. In fact Sydney Harbour just hasn’t been the same since the tall ship replica of the Bounty got sold off to Hong Kong. But all that is about to change. The Southern Swan is a 33-metre tall ship that owner David Warne bought when he first climbed a high-mast ship and decided then and there his life changing experience should also be enjoyed by others.

After carefully checking the tall ships classifieds, a quick purchase, a slow million dollar refit (at his own expense), and inevitably much sweat and tears, the Southern Swan has allowed Sydney Harbour to once again bring the history of the city’s first fleet to life. For just the price of a water taxi you can cruise for a lot longer on the finest harbour in the world, under sail on a wooden boat enjoying wine tasting or a BBQ lunch.

Of course the ultimate goal, and David’s vision, relies on gaining a little altitude. Climbing the mast, just like helping unfurl the sails, is entirely optional but an experience that must be tried to gain the true at-sea adventure. Carefully strapped in, and at 33 metres altitude, the view is definitely worth the climb. Little wonder the Southern Swan, along with the Bridge Climb and the Opera House, has already started to feature high on Sydney’s visitors must-do list. Unlike the Bridgeclimb you’re allowed to bring your own camera/phone and snap until your heart’s content. After the climb, there’s nothing better than to sit back with a glass of champagne as the ship gracefully takes in the sights of the harbour (it’s not called the Swan for nothing) until you’re back again on terra firma.

Visit www.sydneytallships.com.au for bookings and information.

Photography by Tony Palliser.

Patrick Lewis
 
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