Newcastle Harbour transformed into a scene of high-seas adventure this weekend as a pirate ship sailed its waters, bringing joy and excitement to families during the school holidays.
Swashbuckling Fun for Young Buccaneers
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the William the Fourth, a replica of Australia's first coastal steamship, was boarded by a lively crew of young pirates harbourside. Despite weather that required the crew to batten down the hatches, the spirits were high and thankfully, no one was made to walk the plank.
Bob Cook, operations manager of William The Fourth Cruises, said the special cruise was designed to entertain families. "We have a whole lot of young pirates here. They all look very piratey," Mr Cook remarked. The event featured a treasure hunt with prizes and gold, with everyone encouraged to attend in fancy dress.
"Kids often think William the Fourth looks like a pirate ship, so we adopted that theme," Mr Cook explained. The response was overwhelming, with two pirate-themed cruises completely sold out. "We had to turn people away," he confirmed, adding that due to popular demand, more pirate adventures are planned for Easter and every school holiday period going forward.
A Vessel Steeped in Local History
The William the Fourth is no ordinary ship. This replica has existed for almost 40 years, having been constructed on the banks of the river in Raymond Terrace for Newcastle's 1988 bicentenary. After returning to operation in 2018, it has been a quiet fixture on the harbour.
Its design is based on an original ship built in 1831 in Clarence Town, which historically operated between Sydney and Morpeth. That vessel played a crucial role in the region's development, transporting produce to Sydney markets and returning with essential goods for settlers in the Hunter Valley.
From Special Events to Future Voyages
While the pirate cruises are a hit, the William the Fourth serves multiple purposes on Newcastle Harbour. Normally operating every second weekend for general public cruises, the commercial vessel is also available for charter for events like parties, weddings, or corporate functions.
The success of this holiday initiative highlights a growing appetite for unique, family-friendly experiences in Newcastle. The sight of a fully-rigged ship with young pirates aboard has undoubtedly created lasting memories and points to a colourful schedule of themed voyages in the future, ensuring the historic vessel continues to capture the imagination of new generations.
