Darling Harbour to host Classic and Wooden Boat Festival

The beauty and diversity of Australia’s nautical history is set to be showcased from April 13-15 when Darling Harbour plays host to the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival.

Run by the Australian National Maritime Museum, the three-day event will feature over 150 vessels on display at Cockle Bay along with boat building workshops, live entertainment, and cruises on some of the heritage vessels.

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill we share a passion for a nautical history that has helped to shape Australia. Here’s an insight into what’s on offer during the event.

The Classic and Wooden Boat Festival

The Classic and Wooden Boat Festival sees some of Australia’s most outstanding heritage vessels on display at Cockle Bay Marina. From Halvorsens, yachts and skiffs, to classic speedboats, steam launches, tug boats, whalers and Navy workboats, vessels come from all around Australia.

A centrepiece of the event will be the tall ship James Craig and Edwardian superstars SY Ena and Hurrica V.

The festival celebrates Australia’s diverse nautical history, giving visitors the opportunity to see the intricate handiwork and craftsmanship of each vessel, climb aboard some of the boats and ships on display and then learn about the history and work that goes into each.

A family-friendly affair

The Classic and Wooden Boat Festival is a family-friendly affair, with live entertainment and interactive workshops.

For the more intrepid boating enthusiast there are four-hour boat building challenges where a team of four to six people have to design, build and race their own seaworthy craft…in just four hours.

Visitors can also try their hand at traditional skills like caulking, line throwing and sculling, as they “muck in” and learn the ancient maritime arts.

Meanwhile, Children can get in on the action at the Boatshed where they can build and race their own boats, or enjoy magic shows, and a jumping castle.

A shared nautical history

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, we’re excited to see the return of the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival as a vivid nautical history is among the attributes that the nations of Australia and Greece share.

Like Australia, Greece’s exploration and trade has historically been based on the sea, and it’s a nation whose nautical tradition goes back to antiquity.

Come join us

After a day spent sculling, caulking, boat building and marveling at the wonders of Australia’s maritime diversity, come join us for lunch or dinner at George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill. You can further embrace your love of the sea with fresh-caught seafood, or relax while taking in all the action at Darling Harbour over a shared meal of mezze.

Our venue is positioned across from the Australian National Maritime Museum.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.