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

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)

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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