The series of Lady Ferries was launched by the New South Wales state government in order to replace the existing fleet of the old inner harbour ferries. This program started in 1968 and the first ferry, Lady Cutler, was launched at the State Dockyards in Newcastle, NSW on 10 August 1968. The fleet consisted of seven ferries, each of which was commissioned or re-commissioned by one of the ladies.

Seven “Lady” Ferries

The seven ferries are:

• Lady Cutler
• Lady Herron
• Lady McKell
• Lady Northcott
• Lady Street
• Lady Wakehurst
• Lady Woodward

The Lady Cutler

Lady Cutler was laid down in March 1968 and launched at the State Dockyards in Newcastle, NSW on 10 August 1968. She was commissioned soon afterwards on 8 October and quickly made her mark on Sydney’s gay harbour life. In many ways she was different to the “classic” old Sydney ferries, but the double-ended style and effect was a similar derivative. She was followed by two almost identical sister ships – Lady Woodward and Lady McKell – on 19October 1970.

The Lady Cutler served with great distinction for 22 years on the inner harbour run and was decommissioned in 1991. Many people fondly remember her as daily commuters from the inner north shore to the city and others as day trippers to Luna Park and Taronga Zoo. Along with the Lady Woodward and Lady McKell she was originally sold to Hong Kong interests but the deal fell through. In 1998 she was sold to Ron Morrison and then to Shannon Harper, removed from Port Jackson and steamed south to Melbourne.

She completed her refurbishment in Melbourne and started her service life again in December 2007. She was re-commissioned on 13 January 2008 by the wife of the late Sir Roden Cutler VC, Lady (Joan) Cutler, who flew down from Sydney for the occasion. Today the ferry functions as a host for special events and offers a number of Melbourne river cruises. For more information on Lady Cutler, please visit their website at www.ladycutler.com.au

Sally Morgan an avid traveller and a great lover of boat cruises, is based in Melbourne. He is a renowned celebration cruise organiser and is also an active blogger on Travel and Cruises around Melbourne

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