Kanangra 1912
Last of the double-ended
Sydney inner harbour ferries
Kanangra when a coal fired steam ferry
Two principal Sydney Harbour passenger transport requirements emerged early in the twentieth century. One was for a ferry to operate inner-harbour runs such as Circular Quay to Mosman. The other was for a ferry capable of crossing the open water between the Heads on the Circular Quay to Manly run. The vessels designed for inner-harbour use became known as the Sydney Ferries, a term still in use today.
On 18th December 1911, a new service to Cremorne was inaugurated by Sydney Ferries Ltd. To serve this route five double-ended ferries were built: Kirrule, Kiandra, Kubu, Kirawa and Kanangra.
Sydney's veteran ferry nears her centenary!
Can you help us celebrate a long and useful life?
In 1912 Sydney Ferries Ltd. introduced one of twin large steel passenger ferries to Port Jackson. The big, fast ferry KANANGRA (beautiful view - in local aboriginal dialect) could carry more than 1000 passengers compared with the few hundred by today's inner harbour ferries.
After almost 50 years KANANGRA'S steam engine was replaced by a diesel motor. In 1985 she was, finally, retired, having carried, perhaps, millions of passengers during more than 70 years of work. Since 1987 the SHF has been maintaining and now, restoring, the big ferry and we need YOUR help. We would gratefully accept financial help, that's true but we also need to hear from the people who knew and used her - KANANGRA'S "people".
Do you have unusual photos of KANANGRA? Do you have photos of family groups aboard or unusual happenings involving her? Do you have any idea where we might locate the family of Dorothy Walker who launched the ship at Mort's Dock? Are there any photographs out there that might be of the launching of KANANGRA or of her twin sister KIRIWA? The SHF is compiling a book to celebrate the ship's centenary. Can you help us?
Kanangra was built by Morts Dock and Engineering Company Ltd. and was launched at Woolwich Dock on 14th August 1912. Originally a coal-fired steamer she is constructed of riveted steel with wooden decks and superstructure and could carry over 1000 passengers on her two decks. Her original steam engine was removed in 1959 and replaced with a diesel engine.
In later years, Kanangra operated weekday peak-hour services to Cockatoo Island and Mosman and on Sundays and public holidays would provide a harbour cruise to Middle Harbour. Kanangra remained in service until 1985.
Kanangra was presented to the Sydney Heritage Fleet by the New South Wales Government. Ferries are a vital part of Sydney's waterscape and very much part of our heritage. Kanangra is an important part of the Fleet's collection and is currently undergoing restoration.
Vital Statistics:
| Overall length | 155ft (47.2m) |
| Beam | 31ft (9.5m) |
| Displacement | 295 tons |
| Powered by | Crossley diesel engine |
| Acquired by the Fleet | 1987 |
Kanangra awaiting restoration
Last modified on Friday, 01-Mar-2013 14:34:50 EST
