Step Aboard MV Steve Irwin (Ship4Good)
Explore a vessel with an extraordinary ocean conservation story
Visitors to the 2026 Melbourne Boat Show will have the special opportunity to step aboard Ship4Good -
MV Steve Irwin and explore one of Australia’s most recognisable former ocean conservation vessels.
Open to the public throughout the Show, the ship offers visitors the chance to discover its remarkable history, see its distinctive razzle-dazzle paintwork up close and learn about its new mission to inspire action and hope for our oceans.
From ocean campaigns to education and conservation
For more than a decade, MV Steve Irwin led ocean conservation campaigns, helping protect marine environments and wildlife.
When news emerged in 2019 that the vessel was to be sold for scrap, a campaign began to preserve its important maritime and conservation legacy. The ship subsequently returned to its former home port of Williamstown, Melbourne, and received historic vessel status in 2020.
Now retired from its former anti-whaling role, the vessel has entered a new chapter as Ship4Good. Its mission is to educate and inspire visitors while continuing to support ocean conservation, with future campaigns focused on marine debris and collaboration with other environmental organisations.
Come aboard at the Melbourne Boat Show
Step aboard and explore the decks of a vessel that has travelled thousands of miles in defence of the world’s oceans.
Learn about the ship, its crews and campaigns, and discover how Ship4Good hopes to create a lasting legacy that encourages future generations to care for our marine environment.
Ship4Good - MV Steve Irwin will be open for public exploration throughout the Melbourne Boat Show.