Australia was built in 1862 in Great South Bay, Long Island, New York and was originally named Alma.

Australia was used as a Confederate blockade runner during the American Civil War until she was captured by Union warships and sold at auction.

In 1962 Australia was hauled out for restoration but damage to the hull was deemed too extensive and the vessel was permanently beached.

Australia was housed in a shed and used as an exhibit on ship construction, until she was scrapped in the late 2010s.

Around December 28, 1874 "Henry Evans, sailor of schr Australia, crashed to death between the tug and vessel at Muskegon."