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What We Do

OUR VISION IS: To create positive change in the lives of everyone who experiences South Passage - Adventure Under Sail.

OUR MISSION IS: To operate a voyage program that facilitates and embodies the R.O.P.E.S Program in all Voyagers.

OUR PURPOSE: To provide a safe and challenging experience, using the ship as a medium to develop leadership, initiative, independence and self-discipline.

OUR PROGRAM: ROPES: Respect, Opportunity, Participation, Enjoyment, Safety

SouthPassage ROPES logo White Centre with Caps Red)

Everyone is a Participant in ROPES

We offer participants from all backgrounds a unique growth opportunity where they are placed outside their comfort zone, experiencing the force of nature and the benefits of team work.

South Passage - Adventure under Sail’s ROPES program is central to the achievement of our Vision and Purpose.

It focuses our efforts on conducting voyages that deliver in terms of the experience for both our crew and our passengers. Everyone is a participant in ROPES.

R-2
RESPECT

for others/for the ship’s hierarchy/for the ship

o-2
OPPORTUNITY

for personal growth / for stepping up / for stepping out

p-2
PARTICIPATION

by everyone

e-2
ENJOYMENT

in a job well done / in the surrounds / in the company

s-2
SAFETY

is maintained whilst personal boundaries are explored

How Participants will Benefit

  • acnhor (1)

    Create positive changes in young people by empowering them to learn about the person that they can be by providing a life changing “Experience of a lifetime”.

  • acnhor (1)

    Build confidence

  • acnhor (1)

    Develop personal skills & team work

  • acnhor (1)

    Team building

  • acnhor (1)

    Delivering a boat load of fun

  • acnhor (1)

    Experience sailing

  • acnhor (1)

    Create lasting memories

Upcoming Day Sails

Looking for something different to do on the weekend? Come join us for a day on the bay! No experience necessary.

You can do as much or as little work as you like. Either jump in and haul on ropes to hoist the sails, grab the wheel and – with the skipper’s permission and supervision – guide the big ship around the bay, or sit back, enjoy a drink and watch the world sail by.  Weather permitting, we should even be able to stop for a swim.  Depending on the prevailing winds, we usually make it over to the Big Sand Hills on the south end of Moreton Island or Horseshoe Bay over on Peel Island.

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Join us for a sailing adventure around the waters of Bribie Island!

South Passage is a 100ft gaff-rigged schooner built with advantages of modern technology merged with the spirit and romance of traditional sailing. 

You can do as much or as little work as you like. Either jump in and haul on ropes to hoist the sails, grab the wheel and – with the skipper’s permission and supervision – guide the big ship around the bay, or sit back, enjoy a drink and watch the world sail by.  Weather permitting, we should even be able to stop for a swim.  Depending on the prevailing winds, we might sail around the waters of Moreton Island.
Come enjoy the great outdoors!

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Upcoming Voyages

2024 Youth Voyages

3, 4, 5,7 or 8 days

$175 per day

Designed especially to cater for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participants, one of our voyages covers both the Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journeys.

You can also use our 5-day Silver voyage for the Gold Residential.

We have at least one Youth Voyage scheduled for every lot of school holidays and can sometimes offer a 3-day Bronze voyage over a long weekend.

Voyages take place right up and down the eastern seaboard, from Cairns to Sydney as well as in our home base of Moreton Bay.

You don’t have to be enrolled in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to participate in one of our Youth Voyages – just be aged 13 – 22 and be keen for an Adventure Under Sail. No prior sailing experience is required.

Clicking on the link below will not necessarily mean you are making a booking….there is also plenty of information and, if you decide you’d like to come out with us, you can also book yourself a spot.

Book Now

This event is fully booked but you can still join the waiting list. Click on the link below to submit your details.

Join part of a tight knit crew to be part of this blue water classic!

3 DAYS RACING FROM BRISBANE TO GLADSTONE

Come aboard Queensland’s only tall ship…South Passage.

Get away from the world, leave your emails and text messages behind and take on the sea! This is a modern ship built and operated along traditional lines. Be part of the crew sailing this 100ft gaff-rigged schooner up the coast to Gladstone, Queensland. Come aboard on Good Friday for the trip of a lifetime.

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Lend a Hand & Support Us

We have a proud tradition of fulfilling our vision:

"To create positive change in the lives of everyone who experiences South Passage - Adventure Under Sail".

During the last 12 years there have been over
School Students

+

Public Passengers

=

People

- sailing on Queensland's Tall Ship. We want that proud tradition to continue.
We see positive change in the lives of our voyagers who often refer to our voyages as an “Experience of a lifetime”

I would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the South Passage Foundation.

This will be used to sponsor disadvantaged or at-risk people by funding berths on suitable ‘sail training’ voyages to provide them with a personal development opportunity.

I would like to support the operation of South Passage.

This will be used for maintenance and ongoing operating costs to keep South Passage viable.

Direct to South Passage - Non Tax Deductible

via the Australian Sports Foundation - for those that wish to claim a Tax Deduction

Here's What our Happy Passengers Have to say

From Parents

From School Voyage Participants

Leave us a
Review on Google

South Passage - Adventure Under Sail IconSouth Passage - Adventure Under Sail

Shop 8/188 Stratton Terrace, Manly

4.9 89 reviews

  • Avatar Gary Charman ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    My 100th review on Google and what better way than to review this great experience.
    Fortunately the brilliant crew and volunteers of South Passage make this experience available to adults to assist in funding adventures for the disadvantaged.
    … More
    I undertook a 7-day "Sail & Walk" journey along the Great Barrier Reef, visiting different islands, swimming, snorkelling and walking the islands.
    It was no picnic. You're in a "watch" and crew the ship, learning your knots, tacking, jibing, helming, raising sails and anchors.
    The volunteer crew were always ready to assist, to take time to explain the ship operation .
    The meals were fabulous. Cooking in a small galley for 25+ can not be easy yet it seemed that way.
    This is a finely tuned operation that ensures an exceptional experience.
  • Avatar Kushal Ghose ★★★★★ a year ago
    My 13 year old Son did a five day sailing trip (as part of a Scouts activity) and absolutely enjoyed every moment of it (right from the early morning watch duty at the deck, being at the helm of the ship, sailing techniques learnt, the … More homely meals, dolphins and finally the fantastic guidance and mentoring from the crew). It was an adventure of a lifetime indeed!!!
  • Avatar Leah Smith ★★★★★ a year ago
    I sailed with South Passage on a day sail today. We left the Marina at 10am, sailed across Moreton Bay and anchored off Moreton Island for lunch and a swim. It was a super day - Weather was perfect, sea was friendly, crew were brilliant … More and generous with their knowledge allowing you to be involved or not. I loved it and intend to do a long sail next time. Thank you to our skipper and the crew.
  • Avatar Ray ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Such a wonderful experience, would definitely recommend all the staff and volunteers were lovely and so kind! Definitely worth having ago especially if you have never sailed before, definitely Beginner friendly.
  • Avatar Alastair Davies ★★★★★ a year ago
    Highly recommended! Went for an afternoon/early evening cruise and had a blast! You can help on deck if you want to, the crew (mostly volunteers) were very knowledgeable and handled the ship very well!
  • Avatar David Woodard ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    We have done several trips with South Passage and each one has been fantastic. South Passage offers a great opportunity to get on the water, learn some new skills, meet new people and have an adventure for all ages.
  • Avatar Alison Anderson ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    After completing a 7 day Sail with Friends, where we sailed out of Townsville , I would highly recommend South Passage. We visited the Islands in that area for 7 days, walking to see spectacular vistas and waterfalls, swimming and snorkelling … More - the coral was amazing as were the fish and turtles. Seeing whales and dolphins, sea snakes and gorgeous sun sets and rises. The crew and volunteers made the journey good fun, and we met some terrific fellow ‘sailors’. The cook kept us all well fed too. A week to remember.
  • Avatar Julie Streatfield ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Fabulous day on board. This experience really gives you the feel of being an old world schooner. Loved the fact there was no machinery above deck so all the tasks are done by hand.
  • Avatar Rebecca Heard ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Absolutely loved our day out on The South Passage. Skipper John and his crew were helpful & friendly and made it a memorable day for us. As motorboat owners it was good to see how a sail ship operates and I loved joining in with all … More aspects of it......Just wish we had more wind, but maybe next time!
  • Avatar Nancy Timms ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Great way to celebrate 50th Birthday. Had a near full moon very calm sailing experience. Got some time on the helm. You can help out as much or as little as you like. Thank you for the experience.
  • Avatar Beach Dude ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Amazing crew. A great opportunity to help hoist sails and take the helm of a 100 foot schooner. Absolutely beautiful Friday sunset sailing out on the bay. Amazing value too. Go along and support this business. We will next time we are in … More Brisbane.
  • Avatar David Mansford ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    A wonderful day out sailing and learning. It was a joy to help with pulling the the sheets with the old block and tackle system. The crew although volunteers, where extremely professional and they created a relaxing environment. We were … More so impressed, Catherine & I will apply to join as volunteers. Thank you everyone for a memorable day out on the waters of Morton Bay.
  • Avatar Susan Brady ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I enjoyed a wonderful day sailing with South Passage! The Skipper and crew were so friendly and engaging. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. You can be as involved as you want and help hoist the sails and … More steer or just sit back and relax and enjoy the day. I would love to do this trip again!
  • Avatar David Smith ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    This was a great day out for those who like to be involved. The staff were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It was relaxing while allowing you to help with steering and pulling up and down the sails.
    Recommended for young and old alike.
    … More
  • Avatar Shelley Dark ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Our cruise on board the South Passage was absolutely perfect. The weather was glorious, the volunteer crew so professional, encouraging and communicative. We were able to see up close first hand how a big sailing ship operates. It’s not … More your normal sit about drinking wine, trailing your hand in the water sort of trip. It’s more a pull on that rope, would you like a turn at the helm, take your own sandwiches, nearly forgot to eat them, kind of thing. A wonderfully engaging experience, don’t miss your chance while Covid is keeping it in Qld.
  • Avatar Joanne Ede ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Our group had a wonderful day of relaxed learning and experiencing Moreton Bay on Sunday 25th October. All the volunteers were willing to chat and explain the unique workings of aTall Ship. We could all be involved in some way. We had the … More best weather, heading out through the small and large sailing craft, it was sunny and windy enough to be exhilarated by the motion of the ship. The surprise was meeting Mermaid on the bow, safely harnessed and perched on netting at the front of the craft. Off Peel island we swam with leisure craft not too near by. We enjoyed our own shared food with our group, before the return journey during an afternoon storm. The crew handled everything capably and experiencing the elements without a care, was truly memorable. Thanks Crew!
  • Avatar Michelle ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Had a fantastic day out on the water on South Passage. For those who wanted to help with the sailing you could, which only really took a couple of minutes, then it was just a lovely trip to anchor off Peel Island and jump in the water for … More a swim.
    Couldn't believe it was so cheap for a whole day out on the water. The crew were great and will definitely do it again. Highly recommend.
  • Avatar Germaine Lecei ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    It was everything I expected and more.
    The crew were passionate about the work.
    Loved that we got to help and experience working the ship or we could just sit back and watch it all happening. I could not recommend this more as a great
    … More family day out.
  • Avatar FNQ Volunteer Tutors ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I have had experience of South Passage over several years. Initially through taking several groups of senior students on an exciting adventure sail from Cairns to Townsville. Also buying South Passage sailing shirts for use on and off the … More water. Both their adventures and products are excellent value. The staff and volunteers are highly skilled and lovely people to deal with. Products are value for money and service is exceptional. I highly recommend this company on all levels.
  • Avatar Jarrod Lowe ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Fantastic ship and crew, beautiful day sail.
    Leisurely sail around the island and stopped for a nice swim. Cant recommend enough.
    Will do again next year.

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