The vessels were originally operated by the RAN, but were transferred to DMS Maritime after 1997.

The craft have a catamaran hull, a small bridge and a crane with a maximum capacity of 3 tons.

[2] The Wattle-class crane stores lighters were built at Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney.

As of 2011, two remained in service, with Wattle being located at Darwin and the other two craft at Sydney.

Their main role is to transport ammunition and other stores for the RAN, though they can also be used to control oil spills or tow other lighters.