Kookooburra (1936)








Kookooburra
Type :
 Wooden screw steamer
Launched  :
1907
Builder :
 Morrison & Sinclair Ltd
Balmain, NSW
Gross weight :
 180 tons
Dimensions :
 139.90 x 25.30 x 10.00 (feet)
Passenger capacity :
 794
Speed :
 12 knots

Three years before the arrival of the Kubu class ferries, the big Kookooburra was launched. She could be considered a fore-runner to these three later vessels and was a similar type of ferry. Almost as big as the three sisters, her passenger capacity was 200 less.

Along with Kubu and Kirrule she operated a succesful sideline in the 1920's as a harbour excursion vessel.

By the early 1940's she was mainly being used to service the Quarantine Station at North Head taking back to the city people who had been medically cleared for entry. She was also used as a spare boat on some of the harbour routes, most notably to the Lane Cove River where due to her speed, she was a welcome sight.

Her final disposition is unknown, though it is likely she was broken up in the early 1950's.
Navigation