Kooroongaba

Kooroongaba on Sydney Harbour, 1920s
History
Australia
NameKooroongaba
OwnerSydney Ferries Limited, Department of Main Roads
Port of registrySydney (1921-1932), Newcastle (1932-1971)
RouteCircular Quay-Jeffrey Street Newcastle-Stockton
BuilderWalsh Island Dockyard & Engineering Works, Newcastle
Yard number55
In service1921
Out of service1971
General characteristics
TypeVehicle ferry
Tonnage313 tons
Length137 ft (42 m)
Beam35.9 ft (10.9 m)

SS Kooroongaba was a vehicle ferry built for Sydney Ferries Limited. It later operated in Newcastle.

History

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Kooroongaba was built by the Walsh Island Dockyard & Engineering Works, Newcastle for Sydney Ferries Limited to operate vehicle ferry services from Circular Quay to Jeffrey Street.[1] Made redundant by the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932, Kooroongabba was then used as a cargo carrier.[2][3]

It was then sold to the Department of Main Roads and moved to Newcastle to operate as a vehicle ferry between Newcastle and Stockton. It remained in service until replaced by the Stockton Bridge in November 1971.[3][4][5] It was sold in 1972 to the Philippines but sank off Crowdy Head while under tow.[2][6]

References

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  1. ^ The Newcastle - Stockton Vehicular Ferry Main Roads November 1932 page 27
  2. ^ a b SS Kooroongabba Ferries of Sydney
  3. ^ a b The Kooroongabba Bill Bottomley
  4. ^ Newcastle - Stockton Vehicular Ferry Service Main Roads September 1972 pages 29-31
  5. ^ The End of an Era Trolley Wire issue 139 April 1972 pages 10-17
  6. ^ "Manila tug to make last bid to free Sydney ferry" Sydney Morning Herald 16 January 1972
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