New book records old-time ferries

A new book exploring the history of Central Coast ferries was launched at Woy Woy Library on September 12.

Written by historian Ms Gwen Dundon, "A history of Ferries on the Central Coast of NSW - Gosford and Wyong areas" looks at the glory days of the old-time ferries of the Central Coast including those that operated in and around the Peninsula on Brisbane Water.

The book contains rare and lovely ferry photographs, many never seen in public before, according to Ms Dundon.

"Beginning in 1905, St Joseph's Home for Boys at South Kincumber ran a ferry service that was to last for 55 years," Ms Dundon said.

"A surprising number of other services soon followed, some were long lived but others were gone very quickly.

"Another veteran service was started in the early 1900s by JV (Jack) Murphy and known as The White Ferry.

"In 1926, this joined forces with Jack Owen and the Riley Brothers to become Amalgamated Ferries.

"Their 1916 ferry Wagstaff ex Victorious was built locally by Gordon Beattie and is pictured on the cover of my new book as it came into Woy Woy wharf on its final run in 1967.

"Their former launch Regent Bird (later Kilcare Star and Barrenjoey), is still in use further up the coast as a private pleasure boat, though very much changed.

"All ferry services based in Brisbane Water came into Woy Woy, their arrival and departure times arranged to coincide with railway timetables."

Ms Dundon said she was delighted to be given the chance to document the locally important, pleasurable and social form of transport.

"Tiny ferries took holiday makers to and from the numerous guesthouses at places such as Woy Woy, Davistown and Wagstaffe," Ms Dundon said.

"Some carried local produce at the beginning of its journey to the markets in Sydney.

"For many decades, ferries heavily laden with passengers and produce were an enduring feature of the regular Thursday market day which saw hundreds of ferry passengers disembarking at Gosford wharf for the short walk up to Mann St.

"The ferries were a conduit for news of births, marriages and deaths in the district, and a good deal of gossip.

"In times before motor transport, ferries transported bodies of the deceased to their final resting place.

"At least one ferry brought a bride from her home to the wedding at Gosford, complete with a huge bride-doll as a figurehead!

"The old-time ferries were a part of daily life up until the mid-1970s.

"They faded away in the face of competition from improved motor transport, better roads, and many other factors.

"The families and characters responsible for running the ferries are fondly remembered.

"The good times of tinkling piano music (some larger ferries carried these for the entertainment of passengers), the moonlight cruises, the cuddling couples are remembered too, along with the trials of tipsy passengers falling overboard, the occasional strandings on sandbanks, and other mishaps."

Gosford local studies librarian Mr Geoffrey Potter said it was very timely that Ms Dundon had placed on record the histories of the many small ferries of the Central Coast, and the individuals and families who operated them.

"The book contains reminiscences and amusing anecdotes about the local ferries recorded from many key players who have now gone," Mr Potter said.

"Without this book, their stories would be lost forever."

The book has been published by the East Gosford author in association with Deerubbin Press of Berowra Heights.

It is priced at $30 per copy and can be purchased from the author or through Gosford City Library and various other outlets.

Press release, 8 Sep 2010 Geoffrey Potter, Gosford Council