Galatea





Galatea
Type :
 Steam ship
Launched  :
1868
Builder :
 W & D Bates
Balmain, NSW
Gross weight :
 unknown
Dimensions :
 70.00 x 11.25 x ??.?? (feet)
Passenger capacity :
 unknown
Speed :
 unknown

Galatea was one of the earliest vessels owned by North Sydney Steam Ferries.

For the earliest part of her career she was used on the Erskine Street (city) to Adolphus Street (Balmain) run in an aborted attempt to take-on the established Balmain company (Perdriau's).

In 1878 along with Transit, Gomea, Florence, Coombra, Darra, Nell & Telephone she formed the embryo of what would eventually become the largest ferry fleet in the world. Sydney Ferries Limited had it's roots in the North Shore Steam Ferries company. At the time this service commenced there were only around 600 or so families living on the North Shore, so the operation was risky. It paid off for the company though. The reliable ferry service opened up the northern harbour suburbs to new residents. It helped as well that the fares were very cheap - 2d either way.

Unfortunately no records remain of this early vessel's disposal.
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