1989: The return of ferry ocean cruises

In 1988, the NSW Government delivered the last ferry in the Freshwater Class of Sydney Ferries -  Collaroy. 

 

Source: Anon. 1988. "'Family' cruises for new ferry". The Daily Telegraph, August 2: 9.

Unlike the other three ferries in the fleet - Freshwater, Queenscliff and Narrabeen, the upper deck was open at each end. Post 2000, the other three ferries would also provide open decks at each end.

Collaroy had been fitted with stablisers to manage the ocean swells along with catering facilities. More than a canteen could be offered to commuters on the Manly run or on a harbour or ocean cruise. 

 

Source: Caldbeck-Moore, B. 1989. "Harbor Ferry can take on the foamy ocean, safely". The Daily Telegraph, January 6: page unknown. 

In 1989, Sydneysiders were able to experience ocean cruises on the Collaroy, reviving the cruises provided by the South Steyne between 1953 and 1973, when it was under the ownership of the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship company. 

Below is one newspaper advertisement from February 1989.  Cruises ran between Circular Quay and Cottage Point. Tickets were $38 for adults and $25 for children and pensioners and included a picnic lunch. 

  

Source: Sydney Ferries. 1989. "Run away to sea for a day on a Sunday Coastal Cruise" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, February 28: 43.

The cruises ran until the following year. It was written in Ferries of Sydney by Graeme Andrews that the services were terminated after ferry officers demanded the payment of a "spew allowance" that was being received by deckhands working on the services. The "spew allowance" referred to a payment to cover cleaning up the mess left behind by seasick passengers. 

With new Emerald Class ferries about to commence full time service on the Manly run, Collaroy will step back into a part time role, operating on weekends alongside the Freshwater (oldest of the Freshwater Class ferries). This only occurred after a backlash from Sydneysiders over plans to retire the entire fleet citing:

• The iconic nature of the ferries 
• Cultural Importance
• Ability to transport large numbers of commuters - 1100 people compared to 400 on Emerald Class Ferries.
• Heritage value
• Ability to manage the swells at the heads.

The Narrabeen and Queenscliff are expected to be retired from service by the end of 2021.