We enjoyed a day sailing Sydney Harbour on the Waratah Tug. On this particular day, Peter did many sketches of various sites around the Harbour from the Tug and many sketches of the Tug itself.
The WARATAH was launched in 1902, and named BURUNDA, an Indigenous name meaning 'Swan'.
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 the WARATAH was going to be scrapped but the Sydney Heritage Fleet recognised the tug's importance and purchased the WARATAH. 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 (Sea Museum).
This artwork captures the power and beauty of the still steaming, vintage vessel as it glides through the iconic Sydney Harbour. The Waratah tug has become an important part of Sydney's maritime history and in this drawing, Peter has skillfully captured the timeless elegance of this classic vessel.
