Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company - Operations: Manly

Operations: Manly

For many years, ferry was the main mode of transport connecting Manly and the Central Business District of Sydney (Circular Quay). Sydney’s growing population (including growth in the 1850s due to the gold rush) saw the demand for the ferry services increase.

During its life, the Company operated a number of types of ferries including paddle steamers, double-ended ferries with a wheelhouse at each end, coal-fired and oil-fired steamers, diesel powered ferries and hydrofoils. Some of the ferries even featured padded lounges and a wine bar. Among the many ferries were the Baragoola, Dee Why, Balgowlah and SS South Steyne.

Hydrofoils were introduced in 1965 to provide a high-speed service to Manly in an attempt to boost revenue. While they proved popular, their lack of mechanical reliability lead to their demise (they were ultimately replaced by the JetCats in the early 1990s).

In addition to its ferries, the Company built and operated other attractions to encourage patronage on its Manly run. One such feature was a large shark proof ocean swimming pool, enclosed by a boardwalk (built in 1931), extending from the wharf across to the western side of Manly Cove. Adjacent to the pool was a bathing pavilion which housed a diving and harbour plunge pool, a dance hall and dining rooms. The pool was blown down by a large storm in 1974.

Other attractions included the conversion of an old cargo wharf into an amusement pier (Manly Fun Pier), and a World War II-era submarine, previously operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy, and set up adjacent to the sea pool as a museum ship.