| Type : |
Passenger launch |
| Launched : |
1952 |
| Builder : |
Woodleys Berrys Bay, NSW |
| Gross weight : |
unknown |
| Dimensions : |
unknown |
| Passenger capacity : |
49 |
| Speed : |
unknown |
Originally built as Biloela, this was one of two identical vessels (the other being Corella) built for the Cockatoo Island Dockyard.
She was renamed Banksia in 1965 following the launch of the new VIP launch which was to take her name.
Although constructed at Woodleys it would appear that apprentices from the island were involved in her construction. The vessel was used to run workers from Valencia Street and Hunters Hill to the island, apparently linking up with the regular boats ran by Sydney Ferries.
In the mid 70's both sisters received modifications wit the wheelhouse being raised - prior to this it was neccessary to crawl into the small space. Other changes were made to the wheelhouse deck and the and the gear shift.
After Cockatoo closed, both small boats were sold to an operator on Brisbane Water and they ran a ferry service between Woy Woy, saratoga and Davistown.
After 2001 the vessel was sold to Sydney and used by a charter company who replaced her original Gardner 5LW engine with one that had previously been used as a backup generator.
In 2005 she was purchased by another charter company and major work was undertaken to refit her. Today she operates cruises and charters on the Hawkesbury River.