| Career (United States) | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Australia |
| Completed: | 1862 |
| In service: | 1862 |
| Out of service: | 1962 |
| Fate: | Exhibit at Mystic Seaport |
| General characteristics | |
| Length: | 70 ft 7 in (21.51 m) |
| Sail plan: | Schooner |
Australia is a coasting schooner located at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, United States. The Australia was built in 1862 in Great South Bay, Long Island, N.Y. and was originally named the Alma. The Australia was designed to carry freight and be able to traverse shallow water. The Australia was used as a blockade runner during the American Civil War until it was captured by Union warships and sold at auction. Mystic Seaport acquired the vessel in 1951 for use as a training vessel. In 1962 the Australia was hauled out for restoration but damage to the hull was deemed too extensive and the vessel was permanently beached. The Australia is now housed in a shed and used as an exhibit on ship construction.[1]