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WARATAH in 1968 at Newcastle, shortly before it was taken out of service.
Waratah
WARATAH in 1968 at Newcastle, shortly before it was taken out of service.
WARATAH in 1968 at Newcastle, shortly before it was taken out of service.
Reproduced courtesy photographer Buster Browne

Waratah

Vessel numberHV000065
Vessel Registration Number18681
Date1902
DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 33.07 m x 6.14 m x 3.15 m, 157.5 tonnes (108.5 ft x 20.15 ft x 10.35 ft, 160 tons)
DescriptionWARATAH was launched in 1902, and named BURUNDA, an Indigenous name meaning 'Swan'. The Sydney Morning Herald (23rd May 1902, Launch of a Government Steamer) reported that BURUNDA was christened by Mrs Buckland, the wife of the designer.

BURUNDA's primary task was to tow dredges and barges between ports along the NSW coastline. The steel tug has an engine dating from 1901 that was built in Glasgow. At just over 33 metres long WARATAH has elegant proportions, including a counter stern and raked funnel which portray the graceful style of the Edwardian period. It was renamed WARATAH in 1918.

In 1948 the vessel was no longer allowed to work offshore and its operations were restricted to areas within Newcastle Harbour. WARATAH then performed general duties including servicing navigation buoys and VIP transport until 1968. At that time WARATAH was going to be scrapped but the Sydney Heritage Fleet recognised the tug's importance and purchased WARATAH from the Department of Public Works. After a five year restoration which gained the Fleet international recognition the tug became fully operational. WARATAH remains in use with the Fleet as a charter and excursion vessel on Sydney Harbour.
SignificanceWARATAH is a steam driven tug built in 1902 in Sydney, NSW. It is the oldest tug in working condition in Australia and also the oldest surviving vessel to have been built at Cockatoo Island, NSW, which was one of Australia's biggest ship building yards for many deacdes.
WARATAH in its marina berth in 2007 and showing a typical Williams style of superstructure.
A G Williams
1938
VICTORIA II on display
Forrest and Sons UK
1897
SOUTHWIND in 2012
A G Williams
c 1951
VICTORY in 2018
Melbourne Harbour Trust
1936
FLORRIE pushing a sand barge on the Richmond River.
Rock Davis
1880
JOHN OXLEY in Cowan Creek, Hawkesbury River, 1972.
Bow, McLachlan and Co.
1927
 WENTWORTH in 2013
W Holmes Boat Builder
1948
IMOGEN c 2000
Donnyland Shipbuilding Co.
1902
Bow View
Samuel White and Co. UK
1904
SYDPORT dressed for a heritage parade in the late 1990s
Ballina Slipway and Engineering
1960
SS West Arm
Priestman Brothers LTD
1885