Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Sydney Harbour ferry BINNGARRA underway in a heavy sea
Sydney Harbour ferry BINNGARRA underway in a heavy sea

Sydney Harbour ferry BINNGARRA underway in a heavy sea

Photographer (Australian, 1877 - 1951)
Datec 1920
Object numberANMS1092[073]
NameGlass plate negative
MediumEmulsion on glass
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mr and Mrs Glassford
HistorySydney ferry BINNGARRA was built in 1905 by Mort's Dock of Woolwich, Sydney, for the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company. BINNGARRA was the first of six sister-ships in a class of vessel that came to epitomise Sydney's iconic Manly ferries. BINNGARRA was the first double-ended Manly ferry to be built and the vessel went on to serve on Sydney Harbour for 25 years. In August 1908 BINNGARRA had the honour of acting as flagship for the great number of spectator vessels gathered to watch the highly-anticipated arrival of the American Navy's 'Great White Fleet'. In 1930 and after 25 years of service and nearly 100,000 trips to Manly, BINNGARRA was withdrawn from service. The vessel was sold in 1933 and hulked, however was requisitioned during WW2 for use as a store ship. In December 1946 BINNGARRA was scuttled off Sydney Heads. 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.