Sydneysiders have been given their first look inside the refurbished Queenscliff ferry, with upgrades of the iconic vessel in the final stages.
The former NSW Government hosted a retirement party to celebrate removing the Australian-made Queenscliff ferry from service in October 2021.
The former government planned to retain just one Freshwater-class ferry in service, running weekend services only. The second-generation Emerald-class ferries, ordered by the former government to replace the Freshwaters, have been plagued by operational issues, including cracked hulls and being unable to dock at low-tide.
The new Labor State Government is now delivering on its long-term promise to return as many of the Freshwater-class vessels as possible to weekday and weekend services on the F1 Manly to Circular Quay route.
“The previous Government’s plan to retire the Freshwater ferries was reckless,” said Premier, Chris Minns.
“We’re reversing their decision and returning the iconic Freshwaters to Sydney Harbour.”
The 40-year-old beloved Queenscliff is currently docked at Cockatoo Island undergoing important restoration work, including upgrading engines and machinery. The upgrade has also refreshed passenger areas and will improve the experience for customers with a disability. The extensive refurbishment has involved expert navel engineers, electrical engineers, shipbuilders, painters, plumbers and more all working here in NSW.
The refurbishment includes:
- More than 650 square metres of new ceiling panels,
- More than 7kms of new cabling,
- More than 4,000 litres of paint
- More than 750 square meters of new flooring
- Every interior seat re-covered
The engine room is bigger than a basketball court and the main engine is 32 times more powerful than an average car. The Queenscliff is planned to return to the F1 Manly to Circular Quay route this summer and will join the Freshwater in ferrying passengers every day. The final works, reinstalling oil distribution boxes, require dry-docking the Queenscliff at Garden Island and is subject to the Australian Navy’s maintenance schedule.
Premier Minns visited the Queenscliff ferry today, meeting with Ferry Master, Austin Hart (see main photo).
“This is Austin the Ferry Master – his Dad drove the first Queenscliff, and today he welcomed it back!” the Premier posted on social media.
“This is the story of our incredible Freshwater ferries. Generations of history, all in boats that are still going strong.
“Despite this, they were retired by the former government and replaced by ferries that don’t work.
“We promised to bring back these iconic Freshwaters – and today we take another step forward on delivering on that promise,” Mr Minns said.