The Viator, a couta boat, was moved by a crane so it could be restored as part of the tourist attraction’s $2.95 million redevelopment. 

Warrnambool City Council visitor economy manager David McMahon said the boat was originally used to deliver mail.

He said one of the elements of the redevelopment was enhancing Flagstaff Hill’s fleet of boats. 

“Repositioning the Viator gives visitors to Flagstaff Hill a great view of the vessel while she is carefully restored by our master boat builder Jeff McMurrich,” he said.

“The new safety-compliant space for the Viator means visitors can also chat to Jeff as he goes about the challenge of making the Viator seaworthy once again.

“It’s an example of the improved activation of Flagstaff Hill made possible with funding from the Victorian government.”

A new sound and light show, called Harpooned, will launch at the maritime village on Friday.

It tells the story of Warrnambool’s whaling history.