Narrabeen Ferry Makes Surprise Return To Sydney Harbour

Despite announcing a pause on the larger Manly ferries for the next six weeks, a surprise move from the government has seen the Narrabeen return to the water a full month ahead of schedule.

The Narrabeen will return to the Circular-Quay-Manly route from Monday, after a major restoration and refurbishment, giving it a new lease of life that should see it functioning for another five years before its next major docking.

The upgrade was carried out by an expert team of shipbuilders, engineers, electricians, plumbers and painters, and included a full engine rebuild, the installation of a modern control systems, hull repairs, refreshed passenger areas, and CCTV upgrades.

The Narrabeen entered service in 1984 and was to have been the victim of Liberal Party plans to gut the Freshwater fleet to part-time duties in favour of foreign-made Emerald Class boats. The former government had it destined for the marine scrap pile until it was saved by a grassroots community campaign.

Premier Chris Minns said he was proud the government was delivering on its commitment to “keep an icon of Sydney on the water.”

“Under the Liberals, the Narrabeen would not have been seen again in passenger service and I want to thank the community campaigners for fighting to protect our Harbour’s heritage,” he added. 

“This vessel is part of Sydney’s history, and after a much-needed upgrade it’s ready to transport thousands of passengers across the harbour this summer.”

“Part of the fabric of Sydney Harbour”, says minister

The announcement comes less than two weeks after the government announced the larger Manly ferries would be taking a six-week break for their usual route while critical repairs were carried out at their built-for-purpose wharf.

The Narrabeen wasn’t due to return to the waters until November, when maintenance work on wharf two was scheduled for completion, but since the delayed closure of the wharf, its return has been accelerated, just in time for what is expected to be a busy summer.

“The Freshwater-class are part of the fabric of Sydney Harbour,” said Transport Minister John Graham, adding that “a trip to Manly and back on one of them is part of so many Sydney holiday bucket lists for visitors to our city.”

“Ferry patronage has been rising, and we expect the Harbour to be abuzz over the coming summer months.”

The Freshwater is next to be taken out of rotation for a facelift, with the Minns government investing $71 million for three of the four ferries in the class.