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The Ferries of Sydney

In 1788, European settlement in Australia began on the shores of Port Jackson, described as "the finest natural harbour in the world".

Early settlement grew around the harbour & quickly stretched up the Parramatta River, over to the North Shore and to Manly. The only realistic way to travel around was by boat. Within a year of colonisation, Sydney's first ferry was built & launched.

In the 230 years since, more than 550 ferries have serviced the harbour & it's adjoining rivers & coves, this site is a showcase of those ferries, the people  that built them & the men & women that have operated them.

You can check out the individual ferries under the "Articles" option on the menu bar.

While you're here, feel free to join our active community forums.

 

The Baragoola is the last surviving original Sydney built Manly ferry and the last of the three survivors (Baragoola, North Head and South Steyne) in substantially original condition. Typical of the six near identical vessels that were built for the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company by Mort's Dockyard, she is an extremely rare example of large ship building in Sydney. She and her sisters typified the type of ferry that would come to be closely associated with the Manly trade during most of the 20th century. She and her sister North Head (ex Barrenjoey) would ultimately outlast the three Scottish built ferries that were introduced after her. In all, Baragoola provided 61 years of dedicated service to the people of Sydney. Now, she needs your help to come back to life. Please visit our sister site at Save the Baragoola.