The two former Sydney Lady-class ferries, HERRON and NORTHCOTT, have become one of Newcastle City's newest tourist attractions. Well, at least for those of us who have an interest in such things.
The two ferries, which have been in storage since their 'very unpopular' removal from service back in 2017, are sitting around Newcastle.
There has been a number of rumours about their future, but it is believed they are being prepared for sale, thus destroying the dream many have to see them return to use in Sydney, where they belong.
They were the last double ended inner-harbour ferries in Sydney. The Manly run still utilises the double ended Freshwater class, but the government is trying to rid us of those magnificent vessels as well. I am sure they will, yet again, totally ignore the wishes of Sydney residents, and replace them with totally inadequate twin-hull vessels.
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Carrington Bridge
Sydney's much missed ladies.
LADY HERRON and LADY NORTHCOTT await what the future has in store for them.
If they can't return to Sydney, we can only hope that they go on to a long productive life with a new owner.
LADY HERRON and LADY NORTHCOTT await what the future has in store for them.
If they can't return to Sydney, we can only hope that they go on to a long productive life with a new owner.
LADY HERRON - Built 1979 - Carrington Slipways
LADY NORTHCOTT - Built 1974 - State Dockyard
As you can see, both also have a very historic connection to the Newcastle area.
HMAS LARRAKIA
Commissioned in 2006 - Home port is Darwin.
HUNTER is one of the two local ferries that serve the short service from Newcastle City to Stockton.
Like the LADY HERRON, HUNTER was built at the Carrington Slipways (1986).
Like the LADY HERRON, HUNTER was built at the Carrington Slipways (1986).
It is not easy getting photos of the Sydney and Newcastle ferries in the one shot, this angle from Carrington Bridge being about the best that can be easily achieved.
OCEAN RECOVERY
Built in 1979 as an oil rig support vessel in the North Sea, she would later go on to serve in the 'New Zealand Navy' (HMNZS Manawanui).
Built in 1979 as an oil rig support vessel in the North Sea, she would later go on to serve in the 'New Zealand Navy' (HMNZS Manawanui).
Major Projects Foundation purchased her in 2018 for use as a research vessel. She was officially named OCEAN RECOVERY in 2019.
Tarana at Wickham.
SHORTLAND is the other local Newcastle ferry.
Also built at Carrington Slipways in 1986.
San Antone II
A fishing vessel, built in 1988, that was apparently based up on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland), but put up for sale at $1,500,000.
Not sure why she was in Newcastle, maybe a new owner.
A fishing vessel, built in 1988, that was apparently based up on the Sunshine Coast (Queensland), but put up for sale at $1,500,000.
Not sure why she was in Newcastle, maybe a new owner.
The following is from heritage signage near the wharves.
The Submarine.
KOOLEEN was a unique member of the Sydney Harbour ferry fleet. Built by the State Dockyard in 1956, she operated until 1985 and was subsequently sold for use as a houseboat.
Regretfully, she would sink a number of times, before the final sinking saw her cut up on site in 2006.
Yet another bit of Sydney Harbour history lost.
KOOLEEN was a unique member of the Sydney Harbour ferry fleet. Built by the State Dockyard in 1956, she operated until 1985 and was subsequently sold for use as a houseboat.
Regretfully, she would sink a number of times, before the final sinking saw her cut up on site in 2006.
Yet another bit of Sydney Harbour history lost.
Totally irrelevant to the Throsby Creek theme.
A couple of shots from ferry SHORTLAND and one of an old pub at Wickham.
A couple of shots from ferry SHORTLAND and one of an old pub at Wickham.
Sticky Rice Thai in, what looked to be, a local pub.
I asked well known local historian Ed Tonks, who thinks it was likely the 'British Grenadiers Hotel', which last appeared in license records back in 1886.
I asked well known local historian Ed Tonks, who thinks it was likely the 'British Grenadiers Hotel', which last appeared in license records back in 1886.
Thanks to Jason Anthony, Brad Coulter, Ed Tonks
and Tin Tin.
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