Built by Yarrow and Co. on the River Thames, Countess of Hopetoun was the last vessel constructed for the Victorian Naval Forces.

The vessel joined the Commonwealth Naval Forces following federation in 1901, then the Royal Australian Navy when it was formed in 1911.

During World War I she served in Victorian waters and as a tender to HMAS Cerberus.

She attended the arrival of His Royal Highness Edward, The Prince of Wales in Port Phillip on 28 May 1920.

Countess of Hopetoun was sold to Edward Hill of North Melbourne in April 1924 and scrapped the following year.