There is very little to see and not worth the time or money (in my opinion!). You can see the ship from outside the museum without going in.
There is very little to see and not worth the time or money (in my opinion!). You can see the ship from outside the museum without going in.
Wow not had a review like this in a long time, wondering if you actually came through museum? As you can see from previous reviews we have had great feedback and have had 4 certificate of excellences from tripadvisor over the last 4 years, so maybe assuming museums are not your thing?
We have a 40 minute documentary and museum with displays and artefacts you will visit first then you can go out and explore the ship and learn how life was like on board, lots of photo opportunities and you can try out a bunk or a convict cell, you can go into the hull and also underneath in the dry dock, we also have our boat shed area next to our fantastic waterfront location which you can get comfy in and read a diary of a passenger or two! it usually takes a visitor at least an hour to look around. We really believe you do not get the impact of the ship and the story unless you are on board a glimpse over the gate really does not do it justice.
These types of attractions overseas charge much more than the $15 (standard adult fee) and indeed do not offer access to explore a relic like we do. I am glad the likes of Neil Oliver famous BBC historian thinks our ship is truly amazing, along with a team of maritime historians working on board as we speak.
I do acknowledge everyone has their opinion!
I've taken senior history students through here twice now. There a a small museum and then the ability to walk in and around the Edwin Fox herself. Built in 1854 it is one the the oldest serving wooden ships around. It's not in perfect shape but It gives a great impression of what sailing the high seas would have been like 150years ago +. Great for a rainy day activity
It is fascinating and awe inspiring what can happen to even a well built wooden sailing ship if nature is left to its own devices. The ship has substantially decayed prior to its final rescue in the 1990s but still feels awe-inspiring as you can walk all around it both in and beneath the hull and see all of the construction layers laid bare due to the ravages of time. Well worth a visit; the video in the attached house also shows you just what a varied life this vessel had.
Always more to see and find out. A fascinating look at the way things were and the history of not only an amazing vessel but the part it played in the history of New Zealand and Australia. There are wonderful examples of the conditions experienced by convicts, steerage and cabin class passengers. The introductory film is informative and the lifelike crew member is so real. (see photo) Volunteers are helpful and informative. If in Picton this is a must see. Wonderful to think that this old workhorse has been rescued before it was lost to us forever.
Thank for taking the time to review, we are glad you enjoyed it!
A story told using modern methods of a sailing ship with an amazing history. Convicts, war, tea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, China. The list is just too long to get everything in, and it's all done so well. Something for everyone including the kids.
I highly recommend it and will be back given the opportunity.
Look forward to seeing you again!
There is lots to see here, prefaced by a 30 minute introductory film. Especially fascinating are the passenger lists of people who emigrated to NZ or were transported to Australia - look for your surname! The ship itself is just a shell really, but has a certain quiet dignity.
Great in all weathers but yes we are all undercover so great activity for a wet day especially. thank you for reviewing us.