Karingal (ferry)
Karingal was a ferry operated by Sydney Ferries Limited and its NSW State Government operated successors on Sydney Harbour from 1913 until 1984. A wooden ferry built at the time of Sydney Ferries' rapid early twentieth century, she was the smallest of the round-end "K-class ferries".
Karingal passes through Spit Bridge, 1924 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | Karingal |
| Operator |
|
| Port of registry | Sydney |
| Builder | Morrison & Sinclair |
| Cost | £7,726 |
| Launched | 1913 |
| Out of service | 1984 |
| Identification | O/N: 131565 |
| Fate | Sunk Bass Strait 1985 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 106 tons |
| Length | 31.7 m |
| Decks | 2 |
| Capacity | 608 |
Karingal and her very similar "sister", Karrabee, were built as coal-fired steamer and converted to diesel in the 1930s. Unlike many early twentieth century Sydney Ferries, they survived both the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the 1930s and the State Government takeover in 1951.
Karingal, and the other three remaining old wooden ferries, were taken out of service shortly after Karrabee's high-profile sinking at Circular Quay in 1984. In service for 71 years, the two were among the longest-serving ferries on Sydney Harbour.
"Karingal" is an Australian Aboriginal word meaning 'happy home'.