Sydney Ferry SIRIUS
Datebefore 2020
Object number00056434
NameModel
MediumWood, paper, plastic, metal
DimensionsOverall: 280 x 505 x 230 mm,
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from George Bambagotti
DescriptionScale model replica of the ferry SIRIUS made by George Bambagiotti.
This model once won the prestigious first prize at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. HistoryAround 40,000 trips per day are made on Sydney Harbour passenger ferries. Inner Harbour passenger vessels form a vital link in the suburban maritime transport network. The smaller First Fleet Class ferries were launched in the 1980s to support increased commuter and tourism demand on Inner Harbour routes.
The first off the line was SIRIUS, in 1984. The remaining vessels (FISHBURN, CHARLOTTE, SUPPLY, SCARBOROUGH, ALEXANDER, FRIENDSHIP, BORROWDALE, and GOLDEN GROVE) were delivered by 1986 to the Sydney Harbour Board. The vessels were built at Carrington slipways at Tomago from designs by noted naval architect Alan Payne. All nine ferries are still in service with the 32 vessel ferry fleet, operated by Transdev Sydney Ferries on contract through 2028 with Transport NSW.
In 2020, the First Fleet ferries are undergoing overhaul at Port Macquarie, which will also include addition of air conditioning and improved safety features. Transdev estimate an outcome of ten additional service years per vessel.
SignificanceThe yellow and green painted First Fleet Class ferries are a Sydney icon. Named after ships of the First Fleet, the ferries are an integral part of the harbour scenery and their longevity is a testament to their designer, Alan Payne.
