There are voyages, and then there are epic passages that stir the soul and transport you through time. The 2026 Tall Ship Route promises the latter. Departing from Sydney harbour, this historic voyage will retrace the historic trade and ocean exploration routes that once connected continents.
Unlike typical Sydney Harbour cruises, this is designed for adventurous souls yearning to connect with maritime history, see the world from the deck of a working ship, and be part of a rare event that pays tribute to the great ocean voyages of the past.
Discover the most breathtaking ports on the 2026 route and why this cruise is an unparalleled opportunity for adventurous sea travellers with our team at Sydney Tall Ships.
Setting Sail: The Spirit of the 2026 Tall Ship Voyage
With Sydney Harbour cruises, you get to experience the rich history of the Sydney Harbour, but with the 2026 Voyage, your seafaring explorations will cover a much deeper part of maritime history.
The ship departs from Sydney in early February 2026, and we divide the voyage into two legs each way Its first stop will be in Portland then to Port Victoria. It will then return to Sydney in the last week of March 2026.
You can choose to join for either leg or experience the full round voyage, a true once-in-a-lifetime commitment for those drawn to the sea.
On board, you can take part in daily ocean sailing operations or simply enjoy the unique rhythm of life at sea.
The voyage also commemorates a major moment in maritime heritage: the 150th anniversary of Port Victoria’s role being the departure point for many of the vessels participating in the legendary Grain Race.
In the height of the age of sailing, ships would race from Australia to Europe, competing to deliver grain first in what was called “The Grain Race.” Ship designs were even recalibrated to create faster, larger, and more efficient vessels. And while no monetary prizes were given to the fastest ships, they received honour and glory, plus the possibility of increased bookings.
Stopping in Port Victoria to honour this legacy gives the 2026 route historical depth beyond the scenic beauty.
Featured Ports of the 2026 Voyage
The 2026 Tall Ship Voyage is a living tribute to Australia’s maritime heritage, one that traces a storied route along the southern coastline. While the itinerary may span a relatively modest geographic area by modern standards, each port has been selected for its historical, cultural, and symbolic significance in the world of traditional sailing.
Sydney – From Iconic Harbour to the Open Sea
The 2026 Tall Ship Voyage begins at Campbell’s Cove Jetty in Sydney Harbour, one of the most storied maritime gateways in the world. This is where the First Fleet arrived in 1788 and where countless merchant and immigrant ships have docked since. The harbour itself has been central to Australia’s naval history, serving as a commercial lifeline and now a centre of cultural tourism.
If you have time to spare before embarkation, you can explore:
- The Rocks – Sydney’s oldest precinct, full of colonial architecture, museums, and open-air markets.
- The Australian National Maritime Museum – A short ferry away, this museum offers insight into tall ship heritage.
- Sydney Observatory Hill – Get a panoramic view of the harbour and your ship at dock on this iconic hill.
- Nearby cafés and historic pubs – Ideal for a pre-voyage toast.
Portland, Victoria
This is the birthplace of European settlement in Victoria. Established in the early 1830s, Portland quickly became a vital hub for whaling, shipping, and agriculture.
The port played a central role in early colonial trade, and remnants of that era remain visible today in its blue stone architecture, historic jetties, and preserved maritime infrastructure.
For passengers stepping ashore here, it’s like walking into a living time capsule. The harbour itself is still a working port, giving you a peek into active maritime logistics while also soaking in the charm of a seafaring past.
While you’re here, uncover side quests you can explore, such as:
- Portland Maritime Discovery Centre: Dive into the region’s whaling history, shipwrecks, and early seafaring artefacts. You can also see a full-sized sperm whale skeleton and interactive exhibits on tall ships and navigation.
- Portland Cable Tram: This lovingly restored vintage tram follows a scenic route along the coast, passing historical landmarks, botanic gardens, and the World War II Memorial Lookout.
- Cape Nelson Lighthouse: Built in 1884, the lighthouse stands atop rugged basalt cliffs. Enjoy short walking trails, sweeping views of the Southern Ocean, and possibly spot humpback whales during migration seasons.
- Cape Bridgewater: Located 20 minutes outside of town, this area offers some of the most dramatic coastline in Victoria. Key highlights include a seal colony overlook, the Blowholes, and a petrified forest.
- Portland Botanic Gardens: Laid out by William Guilfoyle (landscape designer of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens), these tranquil gardens are home to century-old trees, exotic plantings, and ocean-view picnic spots.
Port Victoria, South Australia
Port Victoria may be small in size, but its historical weight is immense. Once dubbed the “last of the windjammer ports,” Port Victoria was a pivotal grain export hub for majestic sailing ships that carried wheat to Europe well into the 20th century.
In March, the port will be celebrating its 150th anniversary. The sesquicentennial celebrations are expected to transform this quiet coastal town into a hub of cultural, historical, and community events. You can expect:
- Tall ship and vintage vessel displays paying homage to the windjammer fleet that once lined the jetties.
- Reenactments and costumed parades, showcasing life in the late 1800s.
- Pop-up markets and food stalls featuring local South Australian produce and baked goods.
- Historical exhibitions curated by the Port Victoria Maritime Museum, focusing on wheat trade, Indigenous heritage, and settler life.
- Live folk and sea shanty performances by local musicians.
The good news is that the 2026 Tall Ship Voyage aligns perfectly with these festivities, making it a rare opportunity to witness the town in such a historic moment.
Beyond the festival, you can also explore the historic Jetty walk, the Port Victoria Maritime Museum, and more.
Step Aboard a Once-in-a-Lifetime Voyage
With rare port access, milestone celebrations, and the chance to sail like generations past, the 2026 Tall Ship Voyage offers something few experiences can: meaning, movement, and memory. And whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, friends, or family, this trip is sure to be an adventure of a lifetime so make every port count.
Secure your place aboard now! Book your spot or contact us for more questions or inquiries.