Kurraba and Kirribilli
Kurraba and Kirribilli were two similar "K-class" ferries on Sydney Harbour. Launched in 1899 and 1900 respectively, the two timber-hulled steamers were built for Sydney Ferries Limited during the boom in cross-harbour ferry travel prior to the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Kirribilli approaches Circular Quay | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kurraba, Kirribilli |
| Namesake | Kurraba, Kirribilli |
| Operator | Sydney Ferries Limited |
| Builder | Young and Son (Rozelle, Sydney) |
| Cost | £9,440 (Kurraba) and £10,631 (Kirribilli) |
| Launched | 1899 (Kurraba) & 1900 (Kirribilli) |
| Out of service | between 1932 and 1934 (both ferries) |
| Fate | Sold for breaking up, 1934 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 195 (Kurraba), 198 (Kirribilli) |
| Length | 40.9 m (Kurraba), 39.7 m (Kirribilli) |
| Installed power | 60 hp triple expansion steam |
| Propulsion | double-ended screw |
| Speed | 12 knots (both vessels) |
| Capacity | 890 (Kurraba), 896 (Kirribilli) |
When built, they were the largest of the cross-harbour ferries and brought new levels of comfort for passengers. They were the first true examples of what would come to be known as the "K-class" ferries - a group of 25 double deck, double-ended, predominantly timber-hulled (four later versions had steel hulls), screw ferries propelled by triple expansion steam engines.
Built for, and initially used on, the short but busy cross-harbour route between Circular Quay and Milsons Point, they were also used frequently on the Mosman route. Along with 17 others, the two ferries were sold for breaking up in 1934 following the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.