John Oxley - Australia's last Coastal Steamship

Steamship John Oxley was built in Scotland in 1927 and steamed to Brisbane in that year. During her long working life, this vessel served the Port of Brisbane and the Barrier Reef as a pilot vessel and navigation buoy tender for 40 years before being retired in 1968.  

John Oxley's owners, the Queensland government, intended to scrap their old steamship, but the Fleet back then saw John Oxley as the only remaining example of the many coastal steamships that carried people and goods around the Australian coast. 

A low purchase bid was made, but instead, the Queensland government generously donated John Oxley to the Fleet, and in 1970, a crew of Fleet volunteers steamed this historic vessel to Sydney, and under her own power. 

For many years, John Oxley was docked atop our adjacent work barge for hull repairs. During this time most hull and deck plates were replaced (by hot riveting), and the sea valves, propeller shafting, rudder, steam machinery, and timberwork were restored. 

John Oxley was successfully refloated in 2022, and the work continues. 
 

About this tour 

John Oxley is berthed at the Fleet’s Heritage Shipyard in Rozelle Bay, where her restoration to former glory is well underway. 

This is a rare opportunity for you to see the restoration work taking place by a group of dedicated volunteers from the Sydney Heritage Fleet. 

A special treat is touring the engine room where you can view the impressive 1400 IHP triple expansion engine and the many steam auxiliary engines and pumps on view. 

Participants must be over 18, fit enough to climb stairs and confidently walk on uneven surfaces. We will provide basic PPE items: hard hats, safety glasses and Hi-Vis vests for participants. Please wear flat-soled covered footwear - (Sandals, thongs, etc. are not permissible). Please dress for the weather - A windproof jacket and sun/rain wear is recommended. 

The tour will include a talk on John Oxley's history plus details of the restoration so far. Participants will also see other historic vessels under restoration and those previously restored and now operated by the Fleet, plus the impressive workshop and restoration facilities that have made The Fleet renowned as a ship restorer throughout the world. 

Tour will start and finish at the Sydney Heritage Fleet's Shipyard at Gate 4, 13 James Craig Road, Rozelle. Our guide will meet you at the shipyard gate for a pre-tour talk in the workers’ mess. (Cuppa and biccies included). 

Highlights 

- Intimate tour of the last remaining coastal steamship in Australian waters. Hear and see her impressive history of service and how this iconic steamship is being restored for display, and to grace Sydney Harbour and coastal waters. 

- Climb down into the restored engine room of this coastal steam ship and see how the crew of a 1930s steam ship lived on board  

- See how you can become a helper in the restoration of this iconic steamship. 

- View the many other wonderful and elegant historic vessels at the dockyards. 

- Gain a first-hand view of the impressive restoration facilities that make this magic happen. 

More details 

- Start and end at Sydney Heritage Fleet Shipyard: Gate 4, 13 James Craig Road, Rozelle, NSW 2039. 

- Our guide will meet you at the gate for a pre tour. 

- Attendees should arrive by 10.00 am for 10.30 am tour. 

You will: 

- be walking on ramps, steep stairs, and wharves. 

- require an average level of fitness and mobility. 

- need to wear sturdy, comfortable covered footwear. It is advisable to bring a light wind jacket, a sunhat or rainwear, as appropriate, and your own water bottle. 

*Please note that sadly at this stage of her restoration John Oxley is inaccessible for wheelchairs and walkers, a hard hat and vest will be provided. 

- Contact us at 02 8204 3500 or www.shf.org.au