Maritime History

Ferries for Cowes Jetty

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Published July 28, 2020

Ferries for Cowes Jetty — The Eagle Star, circa late 1970s. Possibly the best known ferry for the second half of the 20th century, the ferry arrived in Westernport in 1949 where apart from a stint in the 1950s as a fishing boat, she served until 1978. After sinking in Cowes in December 1978 she was towed to Rhyll where she resided before being sold to a Melbourne buyer. The ferry is believed to have burnt down in northern Australia several years ago.

After the Cowes jetty was built in 1905, the first ferry, the Genista, began a daily service to the mainland, terminating at Stony Point.
The ferry Genista was followed in 1925 by the larger Alvina, formerly the pilot ship at Port Phillip Heads.

Then, about l929, the Narrabeen from Sydney was added to the service.
These two ships could carry only two or three motor cars, which had to be slung on and off with a crane derrick.

In 1935, the shipping company brought from Sydney the vehicular ferry Killara.
Up to 36 motor cars could be driven on and off this ferry, and up to 800 passengers could be carried on the upper deck.

The Killara gave good service until 1941, when it was taken for war service.