SS SOUTH AUSTRALIAN
Date1890 - 1910
Object number00004602
NameModel
MediumWood, plaster, paint
DimensionsOverall: 570 x 1,215 x 495 mm
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionModel of the Adelaide Steamship Company vessel SS SOUTH AUSTRALIAN in a diorama of the vessel under steam.
HistoryThe Adelaide Steamship Company was established by a group of Adelaide businessmen in 1875 in an effort to introduce a regular passenger and cargo service between Adelaide and Melbourne.
SS SOUTH AUSTRALIAN was built in 1876 at Glasgow, Scotland and was the Adelaide Steamship Company's first owned and operated steamer. It was one of two steamers sent to Australia and arrived on 1 December 1876. It became a popular vessel with passengers and was always carrying a full cargo. It also completed runs from Melbourne to Sydney and Brisbane.
The ship was in service with the company until January 1898 when it was sold to A Seddon in Sydney and used to carry coal to Queensland. It was sold in 1904 to Christian Kaad, a Fijian ship owner. In 1910 after suffering damage in a cyclone, SOUTH AUSTRALIA was converted into a hulk and by December 1914 was declared a total loss.
The ship is depicted in a diorama with its two sails furled, 4 ship's boats and is flying the British red ensign.
SignificanceThis ship model is representative of the first steamship used to transport cargo and passengers between Adelaide and Melbourne, highlighting the growth in Australian commerce and trade at the turn of the 20th century.
