Main Deck
Kanangra was an ‘evolutionary design’ — successful design features are used in future designs, and remnants of earlier designs are found in Kanangra.
The story
Work is in progress in the forward saloon, built as the ‘Smoker’s Saloon’. All its windows have been restored, with new glass.
Bulkhead repairs are a work in progress, with work on the top and bottom plates.
The upper deck beams are 100+ year old recycled hardwood (from Kempsey) — more structurally stable, with less shrinkage experienced. This area will be restored as close to original as possible.
Remnants of earlier designs are found in Kanangra — e.g. arches, paddle wheels.
On the staircases, the turned spindles of the railings were replaced with a solid panel — early 1960’s ‘mini skirts’.
In the aft area, the store room was the Ladies Saloon; it will be built as a food preparation area and shop. The ladies toilets area will include a ‘Wheelchair Accessible Toilet’. Total toilet capacity is 5 WC and 2 urinals, and the 4 hour cruise capacity is 350 passengers.
The deep dive
The boom years
Her passenger accommodation was considered up-to-date in every respect with electric light throughout. With a passenger capacity of about 1000, Kanangra, sister Kirawa and half-sisters Kirrule, Kiandra and Kubu were big carriers as well as smart looking vessels. Kanangra was certified to carry 945 passengers and 5 crew in 1922.
After the loss of the Titanic, new regulations published in June 1913 required for the first time that a life-belt be provided for every person aboard. Up to that time floatation on the ferries had been provided by rafts, buoyant seats and lifebuoys with sometimes a boat or two. The entire fleet of Sydney Ferries, Kanangra included, was provided with life-belts.
Sydney Ferries Ltd
The company built 9 double-ended paddle wheelers during the 1880s. Their second screw double-ender was the Kangaroo of 1890. Built to an award-winning design by Russell Sinclair, Kangaroo heralded the type that was to become the mainstay of the ferry fleet.
Peak-hour boat
As the biggest boat remaining in the Sydney Ferries fleet, Kanangra saw the 1960s, 70s and 80s used mainly for peak-hour services. Beginning with the seven o’clock service from the Quay to Cockatoo Island carrying workers for the shipyard, she would then head for Mosman arriving at eight o’clock to pick up office workers for the city. After another two round-trips to Mosman and back, she would be tied up at No 2 wharf, Circular Quay awaiting the afternoon run. At about 3.30 pm she would be off to do the 4.12 pm run from Cockatoo Island, to be followed by three round-trips from the Quay to Mosman.
Comfortable old slippers
Each March, the Senior Citizens’ cruise of the Harbour on the Kanangra was a focal point of Senior Citizens’ Week. Tunes played on the tiny piano at the head of the stairs on the upper deck brought back memories of past eras. Premier Wran met with those on board during the cruise of 1982.
In 1987 the elegant cedar stair rails were stripped and varnished.
$15,000 · Fully funded
FULLY FUNDEDFROM THE COLLECTION
11 photos · tap to enlarge- Kanangra, circa 1970Credit to confirm
- Kanangra, April 1972Bob Fildes Collection – SHF
- Kanangra changing colour, 1974Credit to confirm
- Kanangra at Cremorne Wharf, c.1975Credit to confirm
- Kanangra, 1977Credit to confirm
- Kanangra at Valentia St Wharf, 1977Bill Allen
- Kanangra in Tarban Creek, Oct 1979Bill Allen
- Kanangra leaving Cremorne, Mar 1980As filed: “SA” · to confirm
- Kanangra at No. 2 Jetty, Circular Quay, c.1980B Jenkins – SHF Collection
- KanangraCredit to confirm · CAPTION & DATE TO BE SUPPLIED · LOW RESOLUTION
- KanangraCredit to confirm · CAPTION & DATE TO BE SUPPLIED