Kiama Sea Shanty Club were delighted to be invited to perform alongside four other groups at the Australian National Maritime Museum recently.

The sellout event drew a spirited audience of over 350 people, who enthusiastically joined in singing both classic and new sea shanties, creating an unforgettable atmosphere on the Pyrmont decks at Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

The club, which is only three years young, showcased four original shanties, adding their unique flair to the evening’s musical line-up and celebrating the rich tradition of maritime storytelling.

Their performance was met with applause and appreciation, demonstrating the enduring appeal of sea shanties in connecting communities and keeping history alive.

After a spectacular sold-out season in 2025, The Great Shanty Off returned to the museum with epic shanty groups, travelling from far and wide, ready to strut their stuff and sing their collective hearts out.

This successful event highlights the vibrant cultural scene in Sydney and the dedication of the Kiama Sea Shanty Club to sharing Australian stories through music.

Kiama’s musicians performed “Pig and Whistle Line” by Cliff Bell, “George Bass Marathon” by Ian Backhouse, “Ballad of the Pevensey” by Greg Adams and “The Way a Shanty Ought to Go” by Paul Mcgee.

“Performing at the Museum was a wonderful experience for our crew,” said Kiama Sea Shanty Capt.’s assistant, Deirdre Backhouse.

“It gave us the opportunity to perform some of our original material in front of a very receptive audience in an ideal location. It was a lot of fun.

“We were also treated to a green room experience which included meeting and sharing our stories with our friends from Tedfern Shanty Club, Bundanoon Shanty Club and Forty Degrees South.

“The highlight for me was the mass shanty singing together at the end of our sets. It was a blast.

“The audience joined in and the place was jumping.”

If you would like to join the Kiama Sea Shanty Club, they are on the lookout for people of all musical abilities to come along to their free, relaxed sing-along every Wednesday from 7.45pm to 9pm during the school term at Kiama Inn.

“We are thrilled to share the fun of shanty singing, performing at multiple festivals and events, including the Kiama, Kangaroo Valley and Illawarra Folk Festivals,” Deirdre added.

“Kiama Community Radio has helped spread the joy, inviting us to sing at community events at Kiama Leagues Club and Burnetts on Barney.

“We have also participated in several local sponsored community events.”

For further information, go to Facebook for Kiama Sea Shanty Club.