James Craig Education Program

James Craig Sleepovers

James Craig was built in Sunderland, England in 1874, and is the only genuine 19th Century sailing ship in the Southern Hemisphere still sailing. She has been beautifully restored over 30 years, at a cost of $22M. James Craig is berthed alongside Wharf 7, Pyrmont, near the Australian National Maritime Museum, directly across the water from the spectacular City of Sydney. She sails down the harbour and out to sea with passengers once a fortnight and occasionally sails to other ports, such as Newcastle, Hobart and Melbourne. (See functions, cruises.)

Children and adults will be transported back in time in an imaginary journey of 120 years ago. Students can help set a sail, sing sea shanties, scrub the decks, sleep in comfortable hammocks or bunks, heave cargo, and learn the language and discipline of the sea, seamanship skills and principles of navigation. Up to 40 overnight guests can be accommodated.

Guests will be hosted by a ship’s First Mate and his talented crew, who will ensure an inspiring, educational and rewarding experience.

“.. I was saddened to hear that our Captain has succumbed to scurvy during the voyage. Gilly, our fearless first mate, rose to the challenge and got the surviving crew to compete for the post of Captain. I was impressed at how willing the crew were to follow Gilly, into the unknown. Despite extra lessons in knots and navigation and a lot of hard work loading cargo, raising and lowering sails, even scrubbing the decks, the crew followed her without a whimper. So now we have a new Captain, for how long nobody knows, to take us across the seas, ... until the next bout of scurvy!”

– Ana Charlton, Crew Member

Groups will normally join at 1630 hrs, disembarking the following morning at 0900 hrs. (16 hours aboard.) A visit to the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and its ships can also be arranged before or after the sleepover. We can also arrange a climb up the 33 metre high masts of James Craig for Scout and Guide groups. (NB. The mast climb is subject to the availability of the instructors.)

Below are suggested ‘packages’ which start at $60 per child. All packages include dinner, supper and breakfast, and a night’s accommodation. It is also possible for us to tailor a package to specifically meet the needs of your curriculum or interests.

The following packages include 1 free teacher for 24 children and a second free teacher for 30 children or more. Additional teachers or guardians (1 per 10 children) are at half price. Minimum rates are based on 24 children and 3 adults. Small groups may consider combining with another school or cub group. All prices quoted include GST.

PLEASE NOTE: These are a sample of the packages on offer. We are more than happy to devise an individualised package that caters for the needs of your group. Programs can be developed for any age group or subject.

Sailor’s Package:   Children $60, guardians $30. Minimum booking $1500

This package includes three meals and accommodation aboard James Craig in hammocks or bunks. Activities include heaving cargo aboard in the traditional way, learning basic seamanship and navigation, setting sails, singing sea shanties, writing letters home, learning knots and scrubbing the decks. Children will also receive a personalised James Craig Certificate.

Bosun’s Package:   Children $70, guardians $35. Minimum booking $1750

All of the above, plus entry to the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and the naval vessels Vampire and submarine Onslow or Captain Cook’s Endeavour*.

Mate’s Package:   Children $80, guardians $40. Minimum booking $2000

This package is especially designed for school students and aims to meet outcomes listed in the NSW Board of Studies Syllabus. Teaching resources for use in the classroom before and after the event will be provided (suitable for Stage 2 and 3). You will be provided with three meals and accommodation aboard James Craig in hammocks or bunks. Activities include heaving cargo aboard in the traditional way, learning basic seamanship and navigation, setting sails, singing sea shanties, writing letters home, learning knots and scrubbing the decks, plus entry to the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and the naval vessels Vampire and submarine Onslow or Captain Cook’s Endeavour*. Children will also receive a personalised James Craig Certificate.

"Fantastic time, something completely different and loved every minute."
- Mathew

"The whole experience of life on a tall ship ties in with understanding & knowledge of the First Fleet. This is a great excursion for kids & a great way to learn"
- Diane Lock, Killarney Heights Public School

"It was awesome fun! I liked just about everything. Thank you so much for this experience"
- Laura, Australian Venturers

For more information or to make a booking, please contact:
Christy Pidgeon - Education Coordinator, Sydney Heritage Fleet
W: (02) 9298 3888 M: 0424 133 727 Email: cpidgeon@shf.org.au

*Subject to availability