Sydney ferry DEE WHY on Sydney Harbour

Photographer William James Hall (Australian, 1877 - 1951)

Datec 1930

Object numberANMS1092[070]

NameGlass plate negative

MediumEmulsion on glass

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mr and Mrs Glassford

Terms

HistoryPassenger ferry DEE WHY was built in Scotland in 1928 by Napier & Miller for the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company. During the 1930s, along with sister ship CURL CURL, the two vessels were the largest and fastest ferries on Sydney Harbour. DEE WHY and CURL CURL sailed from Scotland under their own power and arrived in Australia in November 1928 to service the Circular-Quay to Manly route. During the 1950s both DEE WHY and CURL CURL were in high use, however by the 1960s they were becoming much more expensive to run compared to the newer diesel engine ferries. Both were laid up for several years before being sold to Stride's Shipbreakers. DEE WHY was scuttled in 1976 and is part of the artificial reef off Long Reef.SignificanceThe Hall photographic collection provides an important pictorial record of recreational boating in Sydney Harbour from the 1890s to the 1930s. The collection documents the lively sailing scene in Sydney during this period and features images of vessels ranging from large racing and cruising yachts to the great array of skiffs and the emerging technologies of motorboats. Images of many iconic vessels are also included in this visual record.