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Clipper Ship City of Adelaide: A Voyage Through Time

Explore the world's oldest clipper ship in Port Adelaide, a beautifully preserved maritime icon with a rich history of passenger voyages to Australia.

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The Clipper Ship City of Adelaide, built in 1864, is a testament to the golden age of sail. Docked in Port Adelaide, this historic vessel offers a captivating glimpse into the 19th-century maritime world, showcasing the stories of passengers and crew who braved the long voyages between Britain and Australia.

A brief summary to Clipper Ship City of Adelaide

  • Monday 10 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the website or Facebook page for closures, especially on days with forecasted temperatures of 36°C (97°F) or higher.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the ship involves stairs and uneven surfaces.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in Port Adelaide, such as the Maritime, Aviation, and Rail Museums.
  • Consider visiting the Model Ship Gallery & Information Centre for free before your tour.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Adelaide city center, take the train from Adelaide Railway Station on the Outer Harbor Line towards Outer Harbor. Get off at Port Adelaide station (approximately 30 minutes). From there, it's a 10-minute walk to Dock 2, Honey Street. Follow the signs towards the waterfront. A single fare is around $4.

  • Walking

    From the Port Adelaide station, walk along St Vincent Street towards the waterfront. Turn left onto Lipson Street, then right onto Honey Street. Dock 2 will be on your left, a short walk further. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Adelaide Airport, a taxi or ride-share to the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide at Dock 2, Honey Street, Port Adelaide, will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $40-$60. Parking is free at the Clipper Ship.

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Discover more about Clipper Ship City of Adelaide

The City of Adelaide, launched in 1864, stands as the world's oldest surviving composite clipper ship, predating the famous Cutty Sark by five years. Built in Sunderland, England, she was designed to transport passengers and cargo between Britain and South Australia, playing a vital role in the colony's development. Over 23 voyages, the ship carried countless immigrants to new lives and transported wool and copper back to Britain. Constructed with an iron frame and timber planks, the City of Adelaide represents a pinnacle of 19th-century shipbuilding. The ship is nearly 177 feet long and over 33 feet wide. Visitors can explore the ship's decks and learn about the conditions faced by passengers and crew on their three-month journey. The displays share the social history of those who traveled on the ship between 1864 and 1887. It's estimated that a quarter of a million Australians can trace their origins to passengers on this iconic vessel. After her passenger service, the City of Adelaide entered the North American timber trade before serving as an isolation hospital and a Royal Navy drill ship. Rescued from the River Clyde in Scotland, she was transported back to Port Adelaide in 2014 and is now undergoing restoration by dedicated volunteers. The ship is now permanently on land at Dock 2 in Port Adelaide.

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