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.

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.

Both ferries were built for Sydney Ferries Limited during the early twentieth century boom in cross-Harbour travel prior to the 1932 opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

At the time, the company ran one of the largest ferry fleets in the world. The two ferries were part of broader type of around 20 double-ended timber screw ferries the Sydney K-class ferries that the company commissioned between the 1890s and early 1920s to meet the booming demand.

The two ferries were two of the first in what was to become a Sydney Ferries Limited tradition of naming their vessels after Australian Aboriginal words starting with "K". The names "Kurraba" and "Kirribilli" are both Australian Indigenous words thought to mean "good fishing spot". Kurraba Point and Kirribilli are also two suburbs on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour.

Kurraba and Kirribilli were designed by Captain Sumberbell, manager of Sydney Ferries Limited. Their design was a significant evolution of the company's smaller double-ended screw ferries, such as Kangaroo (1891 - 1926) and Carabella (1897 - 1932). Both vessels were built at Young and Son at Rozelle. Kurraba cost the company £9,440 while Kirribilli cost £10,631.

The keels were built in three pieces from ironbark and the keelsons (moulded 10 ^1/2 inch, sided 12 inch and fastened with metal bolts), were also ironbark. Decks, sides, and fittings were built from Kauri pine. The vessels were built with five watertight compartments with one amidships made of iron. Electric lighting was provided throughout, a relatively recent feature on Sydney Harbour ferries. A smoking and ladies saloon was provided on the main deck.