She was built as a double ended wooden ferry by Joseph Dent at Huskisson, Jerves Bay, NSW for the Baimain New Ferry Co. Ltd., Sydney. (subsequently taken over by Sydney Ferries Ltd.)
Launched under the name LADY DENMAN named for the wife of the then Governor-General.
Tonnage 95 gross, 65 net, dim. 33.6 x 7.6 m.
Original fitted out with a 2-cyl 38hp steam engine, manufactured by Chapman & Co. Ltd. Single screw.
Accommodation for 500 passengers.
1912 Completed.
She was designed by Walter Reeks and built from local timber, wheelhouse on either end.
When completed she was towed to Sydney where machinery was installed, and upperworks completed.
From 1912 till 1936 used in the Lane Cove River run.
1936 Fitted out with a 6-cyl. diesel engine, 228 bhp, manufactured by L.Gardner & Sons Ltd.
During World War II in the service to Cockatoo Island.
After the war in the Inner Harbour run.
1962 A new engine fitted in a 4-cyl. Crossley diesel engine, 300 bhp.
She had a relatively peaceful life and without much mishap for 67 years she carried millions of passengers safely from Sydney to her destination.
01 December 1974 managed by Commission of Transport of New South Wales.
1979 Out of service and given by Australian Ministry of Transport to the Huskisson citizens in 1981.
She was towed to Huskisson in 1983, and in 1988 moved to the Lady Denham Park, there, later a Lady Denham Heritage Complex opened around the ferry.
She is the last remaining wooden ferry built at Huskisson.
Australia 1979 35c sg705, scott ?
Source: The ferries of Sydney by Graeme Andrews. http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subna ... id=5001284