The timeline of Sydney Ferries:
- 1789: The First Fleet arrives, marking the beginning of ferry services in Sydney. The first ferry, The Rose Hill Packet (also known as “The Lump”), is built by convicts and powered by sail and oar. It operates from Sydney Cove to the settlement of Parramatta.
- Mid-1830s: Regular services are established by speculative ventures, catering to the growing population and the expanding city.
- Late 19th Century: The North Shore develops rapidly, and a rail connection to Milsons Point facilitates the movement of ferry passengers up the North Shore line to Hornsby, New South Wales via North Sydney.
- Early 20th Century: Sydney Ferries Limited becomes the largest ferry operator in the world, servicing the cross harbour routes with increasingly large fleets of steamers.
- 1932: The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge causes the annual patronage of Sydney Ferries Limited to fall from 40 million to 15 million almost immediately. ***Not sure if this is fully correct***
- Mid-19th Century: Introduction of paddle steamers.
- Late 19th Century: Double-ended ferries become common. These do not require turning at terminating wharves in Sydney’s busy but narrow bays, including the main hub at Circular Quay.
- 1930s and 1950s: Introduction of diesel power, mainly through the conversion of existing steam ferries.
- 1960s and 1970s: Introduction of hydrofoils to the Manly run, halving travel times for those willing to pay a premium fare.
- Present Day: Sydney’s world-famous ferry fleet carries millions of passengers to numerous destinations for work and pleasure. The fleet has evolved over the years, with the introduction of modern Lady-class ferries, large Manly ferries, and nine First-Fleet ferries.
Photographed by Mike Fernandes
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