ROSE

1840-72

275 gross tons, 172 net. Lbd: 146' x 19'6" x 11'6". Iron hulled paddle steamer, schooner rigged, Side lever jet condensing steam engine of 100 horsepower. Built by William Fairburn & Co, Poplar London 1840. Came to Australia under Captain Stewart 158 days out of London, arriving April 6th 1941. The first iron hulled steamer to arrive in Australia and used on the Hunter River to Sydney run, as passenger-cargo carrier. Allegedly 'broken-up' when her registry closed in 1872, although scant reports state she was converted into a collier and perhaps renamed Black Diamond, itself being wrecked 1872 off South Australian coast. The exit from the registry is recognised here

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SHAMROCK

1840-60

294 gross tons, 201 net. Lbd: 147'5" x 19'4" x 11'9". Iron paddle steamer, 3 masts, schooner rigged. Built 1841 by Bush and Beddoe at Bristol, England. Arriving Sydney 15 October 1841 under Captain George Gilmore and commenced regular coastal services from October 28th 1841. As a passenger-cargo vessel, she worked the Sydney - Morpeth trade, and in February 1842 she opened the trade to the fledgling 'Moreton Bay' area. 1943 saw her moved to the Sydney - Melbourne where she became most familiar. She also completed runs to Launceston and smaller ports along the New South Wales coast as Twofold Bay and Eden. In December 1857 sent to Shanghai and sold to Chinese interests. Lost in the China Sea, 23rd March 1860

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THISTLE

1840-59

278 gross tons, 175 net. Lbd: 148'7" x 19'5" x 11'0". Iron paddle steamer, schooner rigged Built by William Fairburn & Co, Poplar London 1840. Came to Australia arriving 22 April 1841, 130 days out from England. As a passenger-cargo vessel, she completed over 1200 trips on the Hunter River to and from destinations. Entered the Melbourne - Port Albert trade in 1859 when sold to R Turnbull, - read - Port Albert Steam Navigation Co, only to be wrecked in a gale on the west bank of Port Albert heads 23 December 1859. She had assisted in the laying of the telegraph cable from the mainland across Bass Strait to Tasmania in November 1859

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SOVEREIGN

1841-47

119 tons. Lbd: 111'2" x 17'8" x 9'5". Two-masted schooner-rigged wooden hulled paddle steamer. Built by Chowne and Thompson at Pyrmont, Sydney 1841. Was fitted with 2 cylinder 35 hp engine salvaged from the wrecked paddle steamer King William IV, after the latter was lost in July 1839. Owned by J H Grose as registered in Sydney and (along with the James Watt) sold to Trustees of R Scott and others (HRSN Co), October 1842. Transferred to this concern as HRSN Co August 1846. From Brisbane to Sydney, wrecked in a fierce south easterly on the bar of the South Channel of Moreton Bay, Queensland, whilst steaming from Brisbane to Sydney, 11th March 1847. Forty-four lives lost, only ten survived, including the captain

No image available

JAMES WATT

1824-47

141 gross tons. Lbd: 125'3" x 19' x 11'7". Wooden paddle steamer built 1824 by Humble and Henry at Liverpool. Several unknown owners until 1836 when enrolled merely as number 456 of 1836 entries at London, by a T Street of Sydney Town. 1836 again registered at Sydney as James Watt for Grose and Street. 1837 owned by J H Grose outright. Along with the Sovereign, sold to this concern as HRSN Co October 1842. She was the first steamer to arrive at Moreton Bay Queensland. 1845 HRSN Co planned to transfer engines to a new steamer and make the James Watt a coal carrier. 1947 engines removed and hull dismantled. She serviced as a passenger cargo vessel most of her working days in Australia

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EAGLE

c 1849-69

244 gross tons, 144 net. Lbs: 150' x 18'1" x 10'4". Wooden paddle steamer built 1849 by Thomas Chowne, Pyrmont Sydney for the Hunter River S N Co, Sydney. Completed with two side lever engines from the older paddle steamer James Watt. Of 80 horsepower. As a passenger - cargo vessel, she plied Hunter River to Moreton Bay and Sydney. Became of the ASN Co fleet with the name change of 1851. 1858 saw her altered to screw propulsion and fitted with an oscillating engine taken from the fleets wooden vessel, City of Melbourne. Her new dimensions read - 216 gross tons, 147 net. Lbd: 151' x 19'4" x 10'2". November 1866 chartered by the South Australian Government to bring back settlers from Escape Cliffs, Northern Territory after that attempted colony failed. Sold October 1869 to Edye Manning who placed her in February 1870 on a run to Noumea under contract, making her the first steamer to make that run from Sydney. Was later employed on the Northern rivers of New South Wales run as well as becoming familiar on the Illawarra service. Also saw Melbourne many times on her travels. 1877 sold to W Summerbell who utilised her as a collier. 1890 register closed upon her being converted into a wharf at Sydney

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RAVEN

1848-52

26 tons. Lbd: 86' x 14'2" x 5'2". Wooden paddle steamer bult 1848 by Thomas Chowne, Pyrmont Sydney and acquired by this concern September 1850. Stranded MacLeay River October 7th, 1850. Salvaged and later sold December 1852 for usage as a lighter at Newcastle New South Wales. Abandoned circa 1867

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MAITLAND

1837-65

140 gross tons, 103 net. Lbd: 103'2" x 15'6" x 8'3". Wooden paddle steamship of passenger capacity as built by John Russell at Darling Harbour, Sydney for Edye Manning of Sydney in 1837. Of 40 horsepower but later replaced with 60 horsepower machinery in 1841. Became the Illawarra Steam Packet Company's first vessel in 1839. Of the General S N Co late 1839 upon the merger of Illawarra S P Co and the Brisbane Water S N Co. December 1845 owned by A C James & Others. November 1847 of the Hunter River S N Co. December 1850 owned by G W Cole & Partners (Messers Bruce & Norton) where she was employed as a tug, tender and ferry on the Yarra River. Burnt out upon the Yarra river, Melbourne November 27th 1855. Raised, rebuilt and renamed Samson. Became a total loss at Hokitika, New Zealand September 29th, 1865

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TAMAR

1833-73

88 gross tons, 130 net. Lb: 96'3" x 17'8". Wooden paddle steamer, built by James McMillan & John Wood, Greenock Glasgow in 1833 for D & J Bryan (loosely the Tamar Steam Nav Co, Australia), based in Launceston Tasmania. Carried passengers from Launceston to Twofold Bay, New South Wales until 1834 when sold to J T S Wilson & T Burdekin, Sydney. They placed her on the Hunter River trade only to find she was too deep for that service. 1835 J T S Wilson sole owner. 1836 lengthened to reduce draught by Russell at Pyrmont, Sydney becoming 200 gross tons & 130 net. Lb: 124'0" x 16'. Stated a passenger capacity of 140 with cabin space for about 70. 1840 General Steam Navigation Co, Sydney, 1842 Hunter River S N Co. 1850 traded to Moreton Bay Queensland without success and placed upon the Clarence River service. 1851 Australasian S N Co. 1852 rebuilt by L Corcoran, Sydney. 1860 engaged by the Queensland Government mail contract, the first ever awarded, and steamed from Brisbane to Gladstone via Maryborough. 1861 of J & A Brown, Sydney. At times (1862) placed on passenger runs from Sydney to Brisbane in opposition to Australasian S N Co but most was employed as a tug. 1866 of William Farthing, 1866 of Stephen Foyle, Newcastle New South Wales. 11 January 1873 wrecked Cabbage Tree Bay Norah Head, New South Wales (sources - Clydebuilt Shipping, R Parsons & N L McKellar)

WARATAH

1851-67

380 gross tons, 256 net. Lbd: 167'7" x 20' x 12'3". Iron paddle steamer built by W Denny and Bros, Glasgow. Equiped with Side lever steam engine at 140 horsepower. Sold to 'foreign interests, Shanghai and register closed

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YARRA YARRA

1851-77

337 gross tons. Lbd: 166'5" x 25' x 13'. Iron paddle steamer built by W Denny and Bros, Dumbarton, Scotland for this concern. 1862 lengthened to be 183'5" x 30' x 11'7" with tonnage as 555 gross. As a passenger - cargo vessel, was placed on the Sydney - Melbourne trade route until 1857 when moved to the Brisbane run. 1871 became familiar to the Grafton trade. Later was converted to collier capacity and sold to W Summerbell in November 1874. Lost when overwhelmed by several big seas on Oyster Bank, Newcastle, 15 July 1877. All hands, numbering eighteen, were lost. The National Shipwreck Society of N.S.W. was formed as a result of this wreck

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CITY of MELBOURNE (1)

1851-73

168 gross tons, 138 net. Lbd: 118'4" x 18'5" x 8'5". Wooden hulled auxilliary steamship with oscillating engine of 25 horsepower and rigged as a 3 masted schooner. Built by J Kruse, Melbourne for George Ward Cole and registered in that great city. April 1863 sold to ASN Co after being salvaged from a deliberate 'run-ashore' at King Island in Bass Strait whilst in a storm during her normal run between the Melbourne and Tasmania. She was extremely popular in her day as a Bass Strait steamer, being nicknamed affectionally 'The Screw". Her fame is as the first auxilliary screw steamship built in Australia. ASN Co sold her late 1855 having placed her on the Moreton Bay run without favour from the locals and since on the Sydney - Morpeth trade where she found ground at Oyster bank, Newcastle New South Wales. August 19th 1855 she came aflame at Sydney whilst undergoing repairs and near gutted. Repaired, sold whereupon her engine was removed and she was converted as a 3 masted barque. Her engine went into the paddle steamer Eagle, also of the fleet. Wrecked near Burrum River, Queensland in a violent storm on December 28th 1873

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BALLARAT

1853-66

98 gross tons. Lbd: 98'1" x 16'8" x 7'. Iron paddle steamer built 1852 in England and shipped in sections to Sydney, Australia. Re-assembled at this company's works at Pyrmont and launched on February 2nd, 1853. Her 34 horsepower engine came from the paddle steamer Raven. Originally intended to be named 'Brisbane' however the sudden goldrush of Victoria, especially at a place named Ballarat, altered plans. She became a temporary 'lighter' in Port Phillip Bay Victoria as the influx of ships and lack of berths saw the need of a vessel of her dimensions to ferry passengers from ship to shore. June 10th 1864 wrecked at Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Sold, resalvaged and re-registered, details unknown. Wrecked completely at the Hokitika River bar, New Zealand December 2nd, 1866

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CITY OF SYDNEY

1853-62

735 gross tons, 393 net. Lbd: 207'8" x 27' x 17'3". Iron paddle steamer built by Smith and Rogers, Glasgow. Equiped with 180 horsepower steam engine. Passenger - cargo vessel proved to be the fastest at the time when she was chartered to replace an English Mail steamer, the 'European', when under repairs and eclipsed the regular mail carrier, P & O's Victoria by eight days in the complete journey. When offered to convey the mails from the colonies to Aden, the offer was declined. She resumed duties between Sydney and Melbourne and was wrecked at Cape Green New South Wales on October 6th, 1862. Although there were over 100 passengers aboard, there was also no loss of life

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BEN BOLT

c1852-57

182 tons. Lbd: 119'4" x 25'2" x 8'8". Wooden paddle steamer built probably at New York circa 1852. Original known name was General Urbistando as built for the Spanish Government and destined for the Philippines. Seems she made Sydney about March 23rd 1854 from Manilla with a view to being marketed for sale. Has the fame as the first paddle steamer to make the trip across the Pacific Ocean from from the USA to Australia. Owner July 1854 as R L Pattison, registered Sydney and renamed Ben Bolt. New owner same year was H H Hall. November 1854 of the Australasian Steam Navigation Co, registered Sydney. An expensive buy, she was considered by the Company not worth repairing and sold December 1957 to A Robinson who had her converted into a bath house/accomodation vessel at Wooloomooloo, Sydney. April 1864 sunk completely at her permanent moorings

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COLLAROY

1853-88

330 gross tons. Lbd: 158'6" x 22'2" x 11'3". Iron paddle steamer built by J Laird, Birkenhead and purchased February 1854 by ASN Co on her voyage to Australia. As a passenger vessel she frequented the Hunter River trade. 1873 she was lengthened to read dimensions of 356 gross tons, 264 net with Lbd: 180'9" x 23'3" x 11'1". March 1873 she was fitted with extra passenger accommodation and a new spar deck. April 1879 sold to Newcastle Steamship Co Ltd, Sydney. Ran ashore at Narrabeen north of Sydney and remained there for nigh on two years. The current place now bears her name. From unsuccessful efforts to float her she was sold at auction March 1881 and finally refloated September 9th, 1884. Towed to sydney for repairs, work history since reveals little and she was converted into a sailing ship, with engine removed 1888. Wrecked at Eureka California USA July 1889 with a load of coal as cargo from Australia for the west coast ports of the USA. Collaroy is an Aboriginal word for ‘long swamp reeds’

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BOOMERANG

1854-94

324 gross tons, 193 net. Lbd: 170'1" x 21'3" x 11'3". Iron steamship built by T Wingate & Co, Whiteinch and Launched at Greenock, 28 January 1854 for ASN Co. Sailed from Glasgow 7 May 1854 under Captain J. Monroe. Under Captain O’Reilly, operated on a monthly mail service from Melbourne to Wellington, New Zealand. Lengthened 1864 to be 655 gross tons and 445 net with Lbd: 211'9" x 21'8" x 19'. Worked most of this Company's routes in Australia until 1881 when sold to W H Eldred. November 1881 sold to J J Ames & R H Willis. September 1882 sold to Newcastle steamship co Ltd, of of Newcastle NSW then transferred to the Newcastle and Hunter River Steam Navigation Co, Sydney. She worked the Sydney- Newcastle-Morpeth run until hulked 1894 and scrapped 1898

ILLALONG

1854-79

249 gross tons, 180 net. Lbd: 175'6" x 20'5" x 11' as built by J W Hoby & Co, Renfrew for ASN Co. Iron paddle steamship with passenger capacity. 1864 measurements read 170' x 21' x 11'2" when sold to Illawarra Steam Navigation Co, Sydney. April 1879 reported broken up. Illalong is the native word for the Morpeth area

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SAMSON

1854-81

145 gross tons, 91 net. Lbd: 120' x 17'2" x 8'1". (1859 - 176 gross tons, 111 net - 156' x 17'6" x 8'3") Iron paddle steamer built by J G Lawrie & Company Whiteinch, Glasgow. Engines by J G Lawrie & Co, Whiteinch. Propulsion: 2cy oscillating 70nhp . Built for Australasian S N Co, Sydney. Sold 1866 to Gippsland S N Co, Melbourne. 1871 sold to Charles Clark, Auckland. 1872 James Mills & others, Dunedin. 1878 E Jones & W L Newman, Wellington New Zealand. 1878 of West Wanganui Coal Co Ltd, Wellington. Wrecked on South Beach, Waitara River New Zealand 23rd July 1881. Refloated but holed on the wreck of paddlesteamer Paterson and became total loss. registered as built by "James Paterson, Glasgow" (he was the owner's agent) (Source: Clydebuilt)

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TELEGRAPH

1854-67

367 gross tons after lengthening during 1859. Original tonnage unknown. Dimensions at completion in 1854 were Lbd: 193'9" x 23' x 12'8". 1859 became Lbd: 221' x 23'7" x 12'8". Built by J and G Thomson, Glasgow as an Iron paddle steamer. Wrecked 9th October 1867 off Camden Head, New South Wales

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WONGA WONGA

1854-81

444 gross tons, Lbd: 207'2" x 25'3" x 16'7". Iron Steamship / sail built by J & G Thomson, Govan Scotland and launched Monday, 15 May 1854 for ASN Co as a passenger - cargo vessel.Upon her arrival in Australian waters she was the fastest and most 'well-appointed' ship afloat. Regular service between Melbourne and Queensland. Lengthened 1868 becoming 662 gross tons, (Gregory states 750 gross tons), and Lbd: 242'9" x 27'5" x 16'6". 270 horsepower engine. 1870 saw her and the City of Melbourne chartered out for voyage to Honolulu and San Francisco. With her huge spread of canvas (sail) and economical usage of coal as 28 tons per day at 10 knots she was best equipped to make the long journey. Name of charterer unknown, After twenty-seven successful years of service, she was scrapped end 1880, scrapping completed January 1881

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GEELONG

1854-79

172 gross tons, 108 net. Lb: 129'5" x 17'5". Iron paddle steamer built 1854 by T Wingate & Company Glasgow. Compounded 2 cylinder diagonal = 90nhp. Owner History: Thomas Thorpe, W Locke & W McMullen, Melbourne. 1856 T Norton. December 1856 owned or more likely managed by G W Cole as records state as owned by Australasian S N Co, Australia between 1856 and 1859. Sold 1859 to E B Cargill, Dunedin New Zealand. 1859 John Jones & others (Southern Steam Nav Co). 1874 Donald Sinclair. 1877 G W Binney, Auckland. Wrecked 10th March 1879 on the inner bank of the south west entrance to Whangape Harbour New Zealand (2 lost). (Sources Clydebuilt and N L McKellar in his book 'Derby round to Burketown'). Not to be confused with Howard Smith's steamer of the same name, same era

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CLARENCE

1851-72

346 gross tons, 214 net. Lbd: 150'8" x 22'5" x 11'1". Iron paddle steamer passenger capacity, built by John Laird, Birkenhead for J Thacker & Partners (who intended to form the Clarence S N Co) but upon arrival changed plans. Claiming she was too deep for the river, she was sent to the Hunter river for sale. September 1852 bought by A Rose of Launceston who, with others, formed the Launceston Steam Navigation Company in 1853. She was enrolled under that Company name in March of that year and worked the Bass Strait run. Sold January 1857 to ASN Co for their Sydney - Queensland run, being lengthened November 1862 as 377 gross tons and Lbd: 176'9" x 23'2" x 10'8". Wrecked 1st June 1872 off Port Macquarie New South Wales

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LONDON

1837-63

687 gross tons, 406 net. Lbd: 167.0 x 26.7 x 18'. Wooden paddle steamer 380 horsepower built by John Wood at Port Glasgow, for the Dundee Perth & London Shipping Co, Dundee. Came to Australia during the Goldrush seeking gainful work or purchase and bought 1853 by the Sydney & Melbourne Steam Packet Co, Sydney. They placed her on the Sydney - Melbourne run as a passenger ship in opposition to ASN Co. They folded and and January 1856 she was owned by R M Robey and E M Sayers. Again she was placed in opposition to the ASN Co and their reaction was, in July 1856 to purchase her. Sent and sold in 1861 to Harkort & Co, Hong Kong. Scrapped in June 1863

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GOVERNOR GENERAL

1848-71

682 gross tons, 502 net. Lbd: 199'8" x 29'7" x 12'3". Wooden paddle steamer of passenger capacity, built by W H Webb, New York. Beam engine of 460 nhp. Owners - Secar of New York and she was named New Orleans. Brought out from San Francisco in 64 days to Sydney for sale, she was purchased June 1853 by the Sydney & Melbourne Steam Packet Co, registered at Sydney and renamed. 1856 bought by ASN Co and she was given a refit including removing one deck (deemed too high by nervous passengers). Operated on the east coast until 1861. Sent to Hong Kong for sale arriving there March 17th 1861. Reported broken up 1871

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BRISBANE (1)

1854-55

102 tons. Iron paddle steamer built by Robert Steele & Company, Glasgow with engines by Randolph Elder & Co. Propulsion: 40nhp paddle. Built: 1854 for the Australasian Steam Navigation Co, Sydney. Sailed for Australia 17th January 1855 but lost, sunk off coast of South America. Another vessel same name immediately ordered

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BRISBANE (2)

1856-91

102 gross tons, 65 net. Lbd: 136'6" x 18'6" x 6'3". Iron paddle steamer built by J & G Thomson Govan, Glasgow for the Australasian Steam Navigation Co Ltd, Sydney. 1879 of the Illawarra Steam Navigation Co Ltd, Sydney. Scrapped 1891

No image available

DUNCAN HOYLE

1852-60

188 gross tons, 131 net. Lbd: 139'6" x 17'7" x 8'6". Iron paddle steamer of passenger capability built by Scott & Sons, Greenock, Glasgow for Duncan Hoyle and registered at Greenock. February 1854 of J Cowie & Others trading as the Geelong Steam Navigation Co., (of which Duncan Hoyle was Chairman) and registered at Geelong Victoria. Worked between Geelong and Melbourne. November 1855 sold to G W Walker, B Rout and F Haller all of Hobart Town who had intentions of forming their own shipping concern. She saw little employment and that company didn't eventuate in name, the ship consequently being sold in September 1858 to ASN Co. Placed on the Sydney - Northern New South Wales coastal run she was soon sold to Grafton S N Co. (Note: No official register of ownership with Grafton S N Co recorded) Sold again 1960 to Hong Kong owners. Records end

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RANGATIRA

1859-75

592 gross tons. Lbd: 207' x 25' x 17'. Iron steamship built by J & G Thomson, Glasgow for this concern. Tonnage increased 1866 as 670 gross and 460 net when refitted to accommodate passengers above deck away from original placement as amidship lower deck. She ran to New Zealand regularly until switched to the Albany, Western Australia service for South Australian Government mail run. Following that, she was placed on the mail run contract of French Authorities to Noumea from Sydney. Here then she was wrecked on May 31st 1875 near Noumea New Caledonia

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IPSWICH

1860-88

89 tons gross. Lbd: 149'8" x 18'2" x 5'4'. Wooden paddle steamer launched 9th April 1860 at the the yard of Mr. Cuthbert in Sydney for ASN Co. Sold September 1880 to unknown buyers. July 1885 renamed Benowa. July 1888 foundered in the Brisbane River, was raised only to be demolished

Extract from Newspaper of the day
IPSWICH - She is constructed on the diagonal principle, of kauri pine planking two thicknesses seven-eights inch each, outside of which is 1.5 inch planks running longitudinally She is 151 feet long, 18 feet beam an 5 feet deep; will be steered by a wheel on the bridge and a rudder at each end to avoid the necessity of turning. Her cabins on deck Her engines of 60 hp. Will draw about 3 feet. She is expected to make the runs between Ipswich and Brisbane twice a day

image (22245) courtesy State Library Queensland

WILLIAMS

1854-94

327 gross tons, 219 net. Lbd: 155' x 20'8" x 11'. Iron paddle passenger steamer, two funnels built by Scott & Co., Greenock Glasgow for Hunter River New S N Co., Sydney. Purchased by ASN Co October 1862 after they initially chartered her in June to continue their Brisbane - Rockhampton run (when they lost the Prince of Wales). Placed on the New Zealand run when that particular 'goldrush' era occured, visiting Auckland as the main port of call. Once the rush ended, she was sold May 1872 to James Deane, (Hotelier) Melbourne. Mr Deane had her altered as a salvage tug and utilised as a part-time excursion steamer on Port Phillip Bay. Lengthened 1872 - 322 gross tons, 203 net with Lbd: 166' x 22'4" x 11'. Commencing excursions on 9 November 1872 to Queenscliff and Sorrento. Used as an excursion steamer in the summer and a tug in winter. Here then, where he owned a Hotel on the Penninsular, he was innovative enough to utilise this vessel as a weekend excursion vehicle from Melbourne to the nearest jetty to his Hotel. It is quite possible this was the first of the 'Bay Steamers" that became so popular on Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Victoria. Sold October 1885 to Melbourne Coal, Shipping & Engineering Co Ltd., which itself merged with other parties in creating the Melbourne Steamship Co. 1894 this vessel was removed from the register as reported broken up

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BALCLUTHA

1860-81

Originally 433 gross tons, 1868 increased to 456 gross tons, 262 net. Lbd: 202'1" x23'3" x 13'3". Iron passenger steamship built by Caird & Co, Greenock Scotland for R Little (& possible partners) as well as part owner and skipper, Captain F H Trouton in replacing the lost 'Admella'. Worked Port Adelaide to Albany on a mail contract for the South Australian Government, during a climate of 'rate-war' between the major players of the era. Lost the mail contract in 1861 and transferred to the Adelaide-Melbourne-Sydney run in direct oppostion to ASN Co, Sydney. Switched to the Sydney - Brisbane route which prompted ASN Co to purchase her outright. The Captain Trouton continued his duty and rose through ASN Company ranks eventually attaining General Manager status. Meanwhile the Balclutha served all of this concerns coastal passenger routes including travel to Noumea on behalf of the Montifiore Company from 1873. Sold June 1881 to C M Poole and was lost with a loss of 22 hands when travelling from Sydney to Melbourne, as a collier October 1881. She was last seen in the vicinity of Gabo Island, Victoria

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DIAMANTINA

1861-83

285 gross tons, 239 net. Lbd: 158'1" x 23'6" x 8'7". Iron Paddle steamer, 2 cylinders 120 horsepower, and fitted with passenger capacity. Built by C Mitchell & Co, Low Walker on Tyne for ASN Co, Sydney. Fitted with paddle wheels at Sydney March 15th 1862 upon arrival under sail from England. Intended for the Northern New South Wales rivers' and bar harbour trades and worked those including occassional trips to Queensland. Sold March 1870 to Clarence & Richmond Rivers S N Co, Sydney. Sold January 1875 to Manning River S N Co. Stranded on the Manning River bar March 31st 1881. Several failed salvage efforts saw her abandoned to underwriters and she was sold to J Booth, who salvaged her and re-registered her as a fully rigged sailing ship. Sold 1883 to Burns Philp & Co, Ltd, sailed to Townsville Queensland and converted into a hulk. Scrapped 1907

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PRINCE OF WALES

1861-62

548 gross tons. Lbd: 216'9" x 27' x 12'5". Iron Paddle steamer built by Charles Lungley, Deptford London for the ASN Co. Designed for the Sydney - Queensland passenger service, she was lost off Camden Head, New South Wales September (another record says October) 2nd or 3rd 1962

BUNGAREE

1861-1920

163 gross tons, 85 net. Lbd: 121'5" x 22'5" x 9'4'. Iron Paddle steamer/Steam Tug, schooner rigged built by Barclay, Curle & Co, Glasgow for ASN Co, Sydney. Designed as a tug for the Newcastle Australia trade, with side lever paddles and 150 horsepower (grasshopper) steam engine. Possibly used as limited capacity passenger vessel early upon her arrival. Sold March 1863 to R Napier (Minmi Colliery Co Ltd ). June 1864 sold to G R Dibbs. September 1864 sold to Alex Brown and sunk one year later, 5th October 1865 in the Hunter River after a collision with the City of Newcastle. Whilst underwater, sold to the Newcastle Co-Operative Tug Co, salvaged and served until 1878 when sold to J & A Brown, Newcastle. Laid up at Hexham during the 1920's, converted into a lighter and serviced the area until sold to P Callen 1933. Demolished at Newcastle for scrap 1933-5

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CITY OF MELBOURNE (2)

1862-98

837 gross tons, 615 net. Lbd: 250'4" x 28'2" x 16'1". Iron passenger steamship built by J & G Thomson, Glasgow for the ASN Co. Well appointed vessel with all the trappings of the 'modern' era of the time. She worked the coastal run from Melbourne to North Queensland, and early 1870's made a few journeys to San Francisco and Honolulu. 1873 saw her out of service with engine defects, her engines were compounded and returned to active service allegedly faster than before. September 1876 survived the Great Gale thus giving her e reputation as a safe ship. Since, incurred further engine problems and was mostly out of service until 1888, when she had already been relegated to cargo only capacity. Broken up in Kerosine Bay, Sydney 1898

oil painting as depicted in the Great Gale of 1876 by G F Gregory now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

COONANBARA

1862-94

900 gross tons, 567 net. Lbd: 223'2" x 27'2" x 12'7". Iron Paddle steamer, schooner rigged, built by C J Mare & Co, Orchard Yard Blackwall London for ASN Co, Sydney. Designed as a passenger vessel for the Hunter River trade - Sydney. Had also visited some Queensland ports in her travels. 1874 re-boilered with 4 of such replacing original two and adapted to burn Newcastle coal. Trials then revealed her to be the fastest vessel in the colonies. October 1880 sold to Newcastle Steamship Co Ltd, Newcastle. June 1894 sold to C H Guy, registered Sydney and hulked. Scrapped 1914

far left image artwork by J Allcot, Sydney. Centre-left artwork 'In a Gale' painted 1866 by F Garling, Sydney. Far right real photo image on the Hunter River at Morpeth by Henry Young, Sydney All three (3) images now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcards and larger prints. Click image for details

BOLWARRA

1863-80+

109 gross tons. Lbd: 120' x 18'3" x 5'5". Iron stern wheel paddle steamer, 2 masted schooner rigged built at ASN Co's Pyrmont works, Sydney. Of 30 horsepower, she was designed for the Hunter River service. Sold 1880 to Newcastle Steamship Co, Newcastle. Records since reveal she was later hulked at an unknown date and finally removed from register 1930 as reportedly 'broken up' quite some years before

No image available

JAMES PATERSON

1862-84

388 gross tons. Lbd: 186'3" x 23'2" x 11'6". Iron steamship, 3 masts schooner rigged built by Smith & Rogers, Govan Glasgow. Although a Mr James Paterson oversaw the construction of the first three paddle steamers for the Hunter River S N Co and later became Company Manager, records do not show ASN Co as the first owners as records only make mention of her under ASN Co when hulked. One mast removed during 1870. 1884 hulked at their Pyrmont workshop and sold 1889 to unknown buyers. Stripped of all valuable fittings, she was abandoned on the Ross River bank, Townsville same year

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ALEXANDRA

1863-92

531 gross tons, 424 net. Lbd: 208'2" x 27'1" x 14'3". Iron steamship built by Blackwood & Gordon, Paisley Port Glasgow as a passsenger vessel for George Gilmore. G Gilmore was a former 'Commodore' of ASN Co and this ship was capable of carrying 170 passengers, being reportedly very suitable for the Australian coast. Not surprisingly, one month after she arrived from Glasgow late December 1863, ASN Co purchased her. Utilised on most of their routes, she was also chartered out in 1874 to the Eastern & Australasian Line (E & A) voyaging to the 'far east'. 1878 she was re-fitted with tonnage becoming 681 gross and 496 net, Lbd: 243'8" x 27'1" x 14'3". 1887 of the AUSN Co. Sold 1891 (paper transaction only) to Elliot Bland and then converted into a self propelled refrigerated lighter. Sold 1892 to Alexandra Steamship Co. Sold 1900 to Burns Philp & Co, Sydney. 1903 converted into and sunk as a hulk off the Townsville breakwater

image courtesy State Library of Queensland better image pending

CITY OF BRISBANE

1863-1911

633 gross tons, 504 net. Lbd: 230'8" x 27'3" x 12'9". Iron paddle steamer, 2 masts schooner rigged and built by A & J Inglis at Pointhouse, Glasgow for this concern. 1877 saw her rebuilt to accommodate more passengers. Sold October 1880 to the Newcastle Steamship Co and four years later, in 1884 renamed Sydney. This company changed name as a result of merger becoming the Newcastle & Hunter River S N Co. 1911 sold to J & J Daley and hulked. Scuttled 21st March 1925

Left image as City of Brisbane. Right image artwork as 'Sydney' by W J Forster, Sydney. Both images now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcards and larger prints. Click photo for details

YAAMBA

1864-1910

98 gross tons, 76 net. Lbd: 102' x 20'2" x 6'1". ON49260. Iron hulled stern wheel paddle steamer, 2 masts schooner rigged as built for the Australasian Steam Nav Co, Sydney at their Pyrmont workshops. Held steam engine of 24 horsepower. Designed for service upon the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton. 24 July 1965 struck Eagle Rock in the Fitsroy River and sank. Raised and repaired. 1873 converted to side wheel paddles. September 1877 sold to F O'Brien & Partners, NSW. August 1880 sold to J Ritchie, Clarence River. Later in 1880 owned by John See. December 1891 sold to North Coast S N Co, Sydney. Broken up 1910. Serviced in her career the Fitzroy River and the Northern Rivers of New South Wales

No image available

CAWARRA

1864-66

552 gross tons, 438 net. Lbd: 210'9" x 25'1" x 12'1". Iron Paddle steamer built by A & J Inglis, Pointhouse for ASN Co., Sydney. Passenger vessel designed for the Hunter River trade and since moved to Queensland run From Sydney. On that route July 12th 1866 when caught in a severe storm that drove her onto Oyster Bank, near Newcastle New South Wales. A tragic loss of nearly 60 lives with only one survivor

upper left image sepia artwork likely Dufty postcard in issue, upper right image off Newcatle as a sketch newsprint copy. Both images now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcards and larger prints. Click photo for details

LEICHARDT

1865-1902

368 gross tons, 273 net. Lbd: 188'5" x 24'4" x 9'3". Iron Paddle steamer of 2 cylinders = 100 horsepower, 2 masts brig rigged. Built at ASN Co's Pyrmont workshops, Sydney. Designed as a passenger vessel, the largest Australian built at the time, working the Sydney - Hunter River run. Operated out of Brisbane prior to and since 1872 when she was also extensively refitted. Given extra passenger accommodation, lengthened and converted into twin screw. Became 690 gross, 459 net tons, with Lbd: 232'6" x 24'3" x 16'8". Since, worked mostly the Queensland coast including Endeavour River, Cooktown as a regular. Sold 1891 to Elliot Bland, presumably paper sale and converted into a refrigerated lighter. 1900 transferred to Gray, Dawes & Co, 1901 transferred to B W McDonald for scrapping purposes. 22nd October 1901 sank in the Brisbane River. Raised and totally scrapped early 1902

photograph when in dry dock South Brisbane c1879 now available as a modern 4x6 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

FLORENCE IRVING

1864-77

452 gross tons. Lbd: 206'8" x 26'1" x 11'3". Iron Paddle steamer, schooner rigged of 2 masts as built by Charles Lungley, Deptford London. First recorded owners were McDonald and Smith, Sydney. Purchased by ASN Co April 1865. Lengthened and converted to twin screw 1873 to be 920 gross and 626 net tons. Lbd: 241'2" x 27' x 18'8". Worked the Queensland ports in passenger-cargo capacity for most of her career. Whilst heading for Cooktown from Sydney she was wrecked December 4th 1877 near Port Stephens, New South Wales in heavy fog

No image available

KENNEDY

1865-1929

149 gross tons, 125 net. Lbd: 136' x 19'1" x 6'5". 3 masted schooner rigged twin screw steamship, iron hulled with machinery aft. Built at the ASN Co's workshops at Pyrmont Sydney, she could carry 38 passengers as intended for their river trades, but was soon sold to 1865 to J Young. Sold to April 1866 to New Zealand interests. One mast removed. Sold to J H Cook of Nelson date unknown and later to Anchor Shipping and Foundry Co again date unknown. Sold to Manawatu Shipping Co and onward to another owner, unknown who stripped her and sunk the hull at the breakwater protecting the Wairoa River, New Zealand in 1929

image now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

BEE
1865-85+

43 gross tons. Lbd: 64' x 15'9" x 5'8". Iron steamship, 3 masted schooner rigged built and owned by C Blick, Brisbane. Steam engine capable of 12 horsepower. October 1865 purchased by ASN Co registered at Brisbane and used there possibly as a passenger vessel and later as a steam barge. Sold October 1884 to W Walsh of Port Douglas who had her re-engined (to 14 horsepower) and re-rigged as a 2 masted schooner. For what duration she lasted is unknown, however it is recorded she was abandoned on the bank of Port Douglas. Her 'Official" register was finally closed June 1956 stating 'no trace'

No image available

TINONEE

1866-93

279 gross tons. Lbd: 193'7" x 21'4" x 10'5". Iron steamship, twin screw, 2 masted and schooner rigged. Of 30 horsepower and built at ASN Co's Pyrmont workshops Sydney. Sold November 1885 to B B Nicoll. October 1886 acquired by Mort's Dock & Engineering Co, Balmain. Sold August 1892 to J Broomfield. Word was she was broken up 1893 although 'official register closed 1953 stating 'fate unknown'

No image available

HAVILAH

1853-1900

301 gross tons, 166 net. Lbd: 151' x 22' x 13'4". Iron hulled steamship, 2 cylinders making 55 horsepower and schooner rigged of 3 masts. Built by C Mitchell & Co., Low Walker Tyne for Charles & J F Bowman of South Australia, and Hugh McMeckan - Master Mariner in partnership. Serviced Melbourne and Adelaide in 1854 as a passenger vessel under agency of McMeckan, Blackwood & Co., Melbourne, their first managed vessel. Owners since: May 1858 Samuel White, Port Adelaide. June 1861 G Fisher & Partners who traded as Launceston & Melbourne S N Co of Launceston, Tasmania. July 1866 W A Guesdon & Partners reg, Hobart. October 1867 Tasmanian Steam Navigation Co, Hobart. May 1868 Mort & McArthur, Sydney. November 1869 ASN Co, Sydney. November 1873 French owners at Noumea. July 1878 J C Lloyd reg Sydney and November 1884 Mount Kembla Coal & Oil Co. With her return to Australian registry from Noumea, she was converted into a collier by either J C Lloyd or ensuing purchaser and was converted into a hulk prior to 1900, effectively ending her status as a ship per se. Records state she was broken up in 1911. Havilah apparently means "Land of Gold"

Left side image (108456) seen here portside (on the left), as moored to the Auckland of ASN Co, c1869-73, fully dockside, courtesy State Library Queensland Right side image (very low resolution) as a modern production of 1889 painting by W J Forster, Sydney now available for purchase here as 6x4 inch postcard format and larger size print. Click image for details

BLACK SWAN

1853-80

257 gross tons, 146 net. Lbd: 136'3" x 19'6" x 11'6". Iron steamship, 2 cylinders of 60 horsepower with 2 masts schooner rigged. Built by Blackwood and Gordon, Paisley Glasgow for J Colquhoun of Glasgow. Sold February 1854 to Launceston Steam Navigation Co (for 12,500 pounds). Sold June 1957 to Launceston & Melbourne S N Co., Launceston who had her lengthened to be 157'6" x 20'5" x 11'4" and of 283 gross tons. July 1866 sold to W A Guesdon & Partners (they traded as Launceston Steam Company and variables of that name). As she had for the previous decade, she was regular on the Bass Strait run when collided with the Paddle steamer Luna in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria and sank. Raised, repaired and under the ownership of a C D Fonces, registered at Melbourne until purchased July 1868 by ASN Co. Placed on most of their passenger services, she was also lengthened in 1874 to be of 309 gross tons and 210 net, whilst her dimensions became 174' x 20'5" x 11'4". Broken up November 1880

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QUEENSLAND

1861-87

373 gross tons, 287 net. Lbd: 186'7" x 23' x 11'4". Iron Paddle steamer of 120 horsepower, 2 masts possibly schooner rigged. Queensland Steam Navigation Company's first vessel built for the coastal passenger trade by Barclay, Curle & Co, Glasgow. She worked the Sydney - Brisbane - Northern Queensland ports, became part of ASN Co fleet in May 1868 and was lengthened November 1878 to read 425 gross and 309 net tons. Lbd: 207'7" x 23' x 11'4". Became part of the AUSN Co fleet January 1887. Hulked December 1887

true image wanted (several vessels carried this name)

LADY BOWEN

1864-94

527 gross tons, 425 net. Lbd: 210'5" x 25'7" x 11'5". Iron Paddle steamer, 2 cylinder oscillating 150 horsepower. 2 masts brigantine rigged. Built by A & J Inglis Glasgow for the Queensland S N Co's Sydney - Brisbane passenger trade. Of ASN Co as at 1868. December 1875 lengthened to 228'2" x 25'7" x 11'5". Tonnage became 702 gross and 442 net. Worked many of the Company's routes including the Hunter River. December 1882 sold to the Hunter River New S N Co. Sold again in October 1888 to W Summerbell and finally owned by B Corrigan as at January 1889. October 1889, she was converted into a fully rigged 4 masted schooner and was wrecked near Cardwell Queensland on Kennedy Shoal August 19th 1894

better image pending

LADY YOUNG

1864-81

523 gross tons, 421 net. Lbd: 210'5" x 25'7" x 11'5". Iron Paddle steamer, 2 cylinder oscillating 150 horsepower. 2 masts brigantine rigged. Built by A & J Inglis Glasgow for the Queensland S N Co's coastal passenger trade as Sydney - North Queensland. Of ASN Co as at 1868. Broken up 1881

No image available

PLATYPUS

1864-98

Iron hulled 2 masted schooner rigged steamship of 217 gross tons. Lbd: 140'4" x 23'8" x 8'4". Built by A & J Inglis, Glasgow for the Queensland S N Co. 1868 purchased by the Queensland Government and resold same year to the Clarence and Richmond River S N Co. Sold August 1887 to G L Fuller, Sydney. Broken up at Sydney 1898

No image available

EMU

1865-1909

Iron Paddle steamer of 150 horsepower and 270 gross tons. Lbd: 170'8" x 22'1" x 5'8". Built by A & J Inglis, Glasgow for the Queensland Steam Navigation Company. Arrived in sections as the cargo of the Platypus and re-assembled at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. Acquired by ASN Co 1868. Sold January 1877 to Port Jackson Steam Boat Co, Sydney and renamed Brightside. September 1881 owned by Port Jackson Steamship Co. November 1907 owned by Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Co. 1909 broken up at Sydney

AUCKLAND

1863-71

698 gross tons, 533 net. Iron steamship, 2 masts brig rigged as built by C Mitchell & Co, Low Walker on Tyne. Originally named Pawlet and probably owned by the Intercolonial Royal Mail Steamship Co and registered at London. They changed company title to be Panama, New Zealand & Australian Royal Mail Steam Packet Co. Arrived Australia early 1869, worked the trans-tasman run until purchased by ASN Co in May 1869. Renaming her Auckland, they employed her upon their Sydney - Melbourne run. Refitted her in 1871 to be of 724 gross tons. Her Lbd: became 212'8" x 28' x 16'3" whilst her engine was compounded to reach 180 horsepower. On her first trip after renovations, she was wrecked upon Beware Reef, Victoria on May 27th 1871

seen here moored to the wharf with the Havilah on her portside image (128495p) courtesy State Library Queensland

EGMONT

1864-1900

401 gross tons, 309 net. Lbd: 175' x 25' x 12'2". Iron steamship of 80 horsepower, 2 masted and schooner rigged as built by Henderson, Coulborn & Co, Renfrew for the Panama, New Zealand & Australian Royal Mail Steam Packet Co, registered London. Purchased by ASN Co December 1869 for their Australian coastal passenger services. Completed one mail run from Sydney to Noumea. 1870 saw increase in accommodation and tonnage of 570 gross. Lengthened, re-rigged as a 3 masted schooner during 1875 becoming 670 gross and 419 net tons. Lbd: 200' x 24'8" x 18'3". Engines compounded to reach 100 horsepower. Sold August 1889 to Mitchell & Woolcock-Waley. Downgraded from 1890 to cargo only capacity and purchased by J Burns in November 1892 who converted her into a hulk. May 1893 purchased by Bellambi Coal Co Ltd. September 1900 acquired by D Sheehy. October the hulk was acquired by Adelaide Steamship Co and was scuttled off Western Australia coast 1910

upper left image courtesy State Library of Victoria Upper right image as an 1864 John Sands wood engraved lithograph now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

ANT

1871-1905

17 gross tons. Lbd: 42'2" x 6'8" x 4'. Iron steamship built at the ASN Co's Pyrmont workshops, Sydney. Vertical steam engine of a mere 5 horsepower. Sold April 1878 to Whitehead & Co. Sold January 1882 to Whitney & Co. Sold November 1883 to R M Hunter of Rockhampton, Queensland. Wrecked Rockhampton 1905

No image available

GOVERNOR BLACKALL

1871-1910

487 gross tons. Lbd: 194'4" x 23'8" x 15'6". Iron steamship, 2 masts schooner rigged built by Mort's Dock & Engineering Co, Balmain Sydney. Originally ordered by the Queensland Government, however contract cancelled and purchased in 1872 by ASN Co. 1887 of AUSN Co. Sold June 1888 to North Illawarra Coal Mining Co. September 1890 owned by Moore & Austin. December 1896 George Adams (Tattersalls fame. Rumoured to be a Gambling ship when taken outside of territorial waters). December 1898 W J Featherstone. Hulked Sydney December 1910 and scuttled 16th July 1931 off Sydney Heads

Art image low resolution 1872 (Artist unknown) now available for purchase here as 6x4 inch postcard format and larger size print. Click image for details however recommend 6 x4 inch only

WENTWORTH

1873-87

956 gross tons. Lbd: 219' x 27'3" x 22'5". Iron steamship, compounded steam engine of 160 horsepower. 2 masted and schooner rigged as built by Henderson, Coulborn & Co, Renfrew for ASN Co. Of AUSN Co with the merger and their first shipping casualty 17th June 1887 when wrecked at North Head, Bowen Queensland in hazy weather en route from Brisbane to Cooktown

image courtesy State Library Queensland

VICTORIA

1871-1903

1,254 gross tons. Lbd: 239'6" x 30'2" x 23'. Iron steamship, 2 masted schooner rigged built by Richardson & Co, Newcastle-on-Tyne for the Italian Government as the Siracusa. Considered too slow and sent to Australia, and renamed by Australian Steam Navigation Co, Sydney when purchased in 1872. Used as a passenger ship of their major routes. Of AUSN Co 1887. December 1897 chartered by H C Sleigh who placed her on a run to New Zealand with Newcastle coal. On her return jourrney the cargo shifted and the coal stocks were low, forcing her to put in at Twofold Bay. Refuelled and cargo re-balanced she made her destination Melbourne, being handed back to AUSN 18 days after arrival. 1898 - end of 1899 chartered out to Burns Philp & Co, Sydney Sold 1899 to O E Pauss & Partners (traded as 'The Steamship Victoria Ltd') for their South Seas Islands' trade. Sold 1903 to Chinese shipbreakers

image courtesy State Library Queensland

BUNYIP

1873-89

58 gross tons. Lbd: 84'8" x 15'5" x 7'7". Wooden steamship built by Rock Davis, Brisbane Water, New South Wales for ASN Co. Of AUSN Co 1887. Sold March 1888 to M Johnston of Sydney. Wrecked Manning River New South Wales 18th November 1889

No image available

CLIO

1873-88

6.4 gross tons. Lbd: 38'4" x 8' x 3'7". Wooden steamship built by W Dunn, Lavender Bay Sydney for E M Sayers of Sydney. Sold May 1874 by ASN Co and of AUSN Co 1887. Foundered in the Norman River, North Queensland 1888

No image available

MATILDA

1874-94

11 gross tons. Lbd: 45'2" x 8'6" x 4'0". Wooden steamship built by W Dunn, Lavender Bay Sydney and purchased upon completion by ASN Co 1874. Sold 1875 to unknown owners, it's believed she passed through many ownership changes until 1891 when owned by North Coast S N Co, Sydney. Sold 1894 to Barrie & Williams. No further records since and register finally closed 1953 as 'No Trace'

No image available

RIPPLE

1872-87

72 gross tons. Lbd: 83'8" x 16'4" x 7'4". Iron steamship, 2 masts, schooner rigged built by C Pottinger, Leith Scotland for unknown owners. Arrived Australia via Cape Town 1873. Acquired by ASN Co 1875 and sold same year to A M Ferguson. Owned by T G Kelly December 1880 and wrecked Solomon Islands 9th February 1887

No image available

DUGONG

1875-1920

83 gross tons. Lbd: 91'6" x 17'8" x 6'5". Iron hulled steamship, single mast as built at the Pyrmont workshops of ASN Co Sydney. 1884 lengthened to be 109'4" and tonnage increased as 116 gross. Of AUSN Co 1887 and sold June 1901 to Carpentaria Lighterage Co. Scrapped 1920 at Brisbane after stranding damage

No image available

BRONZEWING

c1875-88

20 gross tons. Lbd: 62'2" x 11'2" x 4'5". Wooden steamship built by 'unknown' and was first mentioned in a Sydney newspaper May 15th 1875 in a situation where she was to be towed to Rockhampton Queensland by the Balclutha. Her intended work was conveyance between the town and the heads. Later served as a tender at Mackay and Townsville. Foundered, sunk off Cape Upstart whilst under tow from the ss Corea April 16th 1888

No image available

PORPOISE

1875-1937

91 gross tons. Lbd: 92'5" x 18' x 7'6". Iron steamship built at the Pyrmont workshops of ASN Co, Sydney. 1883 Lengthened to be 110 gross tons and Lbd: 103'8" x 17'9" x 6'9". Of AUSN Co 1887. Sold to John Burke & Co 1908. At some later time was converted into a lighter. Removed from register 1937 and remains abandoned on the Norman River, North Queensland 1942

image courtesy State Library Queensland

YARALLA

1875-1906

482 gross tons. Lbd: 201'8" x 25'1" x 12'1". Iron steamship 2 masts compound engine of 60 horsepower. Built by Lobnitz, Coulorn & Co, Renfrew Scotland for ASN Co's Queensland passenger service. Of AUSN Co from 1887. Worked the Pacific Ocean 'Islands" routes until wrecked on Naselai Reef, off Suva 31st August 1906

image now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

WOTONGA

1876-82

997 gross tons. Lbd: 229'7" x 29' x 20'. Iron steamship brig rigged with 2 masts & engined to 200 horsepower. Passenger vessel built by A McMillan & Sons, Dumbarton for ASN's Sydney - Queensland service. January 2nd 1882 wrecked Tackling Point, Port MacQuarie New South Wales

No image available

LY EE MOON

1859-86

991 gross tons as built with Lbd: 282'4" x 27'3" x 16'6". Iron Paddle steamer of passanger capacity built by Thames Iron Works, Orchard Yard, Blackwall for Dent & Co. Intended for the China trade and later sold in April 1863 to Japanese owners renamed Taihei Maru. 1873 returned to British owners registered Hong Kong and given original name again. Had her paddle wheels and engine removed, sailed to England where she underwent major refit tbecoming a screw driven steamship with 2 funnels. Given 3 masts, schooner rigged, with 94 passenger capacity in 3 classes. Owners in 1874 were G R Stevens, W Walker & Others (Hong Kong), registered London. August 1877 owned by ASN Co. Gutted totally by fire at Sydney 1878 and rebuilt with extra passenger accommodation, 2 masts and a tonnage of 1,202 gross, 745 net. Lbd: 282'7" x 27'3" x 16'6". Employed mainly in the Sydney - Melbourne run although had runs from Sydney to Fiji. Wrecked at Cape Green New South Wales May 30th 1886 with the loss of 71 lives

image now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

ELAMANG

1876-1904

946 gross tons, 490 net. Lbd: 229' x 29'2" x 18'5". Iron twin screw passenger steamship, 2 masts and brig rigged with twin compounded engines making 200 horsepower. Built by Blackwood & Gordon, Port Glasgow for the ASN Co. Became part of the AUSN Co fleet 1887. 1895 converted into cargo only vessel. 1900 under charter to Burns Philp & Co. Sold 1904 to D Sheehy who had her stripped and converted into a hulk. Purchased by the New South Wales Government who sank the hulk as a breakwater off Newcastle in February 1905

image (130751p) ashore Brisbane floods 1983 image courtesy State Library Queensland

GUNGA

1864-96

1,201 gross tons, 891 net. Lbd: 257'6" x 32'2" x 20'1". Iron steamship brig rigged with 2 masts of 150 horsepower built by C & W Earle, Hull. Built as a passenger ship for the Bombay & Bengal Steamship Co, Liverpool. Owned in 1868 by W D Moss. 1871 R D Sassoon & Hornsteldt, who had her refitted to be of 1,257 gross tons and 798 net. Sold 1877 to Larrieu & Roque, registered Saigon. 1877 ASN Co after perhaps under charter doing the Australia - Hong Kong route. Since, worked most of their Australian coastal runs, as well as taking in the Fiji trade. Of AUSN Co 1887. Hulked at Fremantle 1896 and scuttled off Fremantle, Western Australia 1st December 1912

image as C D Gregory oil painting now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

OCEAN

1874-91

1,577 gross tons, 1,030 net. Lbd: 280'1" x 31'9" x 23'9". Iron steamship, 2 masts schooner rigged with compounded engine making 155 horsepower. Built by J & R Swan at Woodyard, Dumbarton, as a passenger vessel for Mories Monroe & Co Glasgow. Owned since by P Denny (pre 1874). 1874 ASN Co who intended her for potential Australia - China trade. Undetailed misfortune struck on her return from Hong Kong and she was towed to Cooktown, Queensland. Court proceedings re: salvage caused ASN Co to transfer ownership to T Buckland, who was also involved in the 'Far-East" venture. September 1883 sold to J & A Brown of Newcastle and employed as a collier. October 1884 acquired by William Howard Smith & Sons Ltd who set about refitting her for increased passenger accomodation and general upgrading. February 1885 she was renamed Gambier and worked their Melbourne - Sydney - Newcastle (New South Wales) route. Sank after a collision with the Easby off Pope's Eye Shoal, Port Phillip Heads Victoria on the night of August 7th 1891. A loss of 21 lives

art image (painter unknown) now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

KATOOMBA

1878-1904

1,006 gross tons, 489 net. Lbd: 249'8" x 29'3" x 19'. Iron hulled, twin screw, brig rigged passenger steamship of twin compounded engines producing 200 horsepower. Coal fired boilers rated 65 psi. Built by Blackwood & Gordon, Port Glasgow for the ASN Co and worked their Sydney - Hunter River run. Also serviced their other coastal routes. 1887 became part of the AUSN Co fleet. 1891 was chartered out to Burns Philp & Co, Sydney for a round trip of Samoa. Passenger accommodation removed 1896. Sold 1903 to D Sheehy of Sydney who stripped and hulked her by the following year. 1905 February sunk to protect the breakwater at Newcastle, new South Wales

upper left image at Brisbane courtesy State Library Victoria upper right image as C D Gregory oil painting now available here for purchase as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

PRETTY JANE

1870-82

134 gross tons, 101 net. Lbd: 112'6" x 20'1" x 6'8". Iron steamship, twin screw, schooner rigged with 2 masts, steam propulsion via 2 x 2 cylinders creating 35nhp. Built by T B Seath & Co, Rutherglen Glasgow for J Wotherspoon. 1874 of unknown owners, registered Auckland New Zealand. Arrived Sydney 1879 and purchased in October 1879 by ASN Co. Sold to unknown Melbourne owners May 1881. Beached, wrecked on Ninety Mile Beach, Victoria May 1882

No image available

OCEAN QUEEN

1868-84+

572 gross tons, 366 net. Lbd: 170'5" x 25'2" x 20'3". Iron passenger steamship of 2 masts as schooner rigged of 90 nhp. Built by Henderson Coulborn & Co, Renfrew for G J Kidston, Glasgow. Probably French owners since, as C Foncier Caledonien, registered Noumea and sold to ASN Co in 1880. What trade runs she serviced for ASN Co is unknown, however she was sold October 1883 to 1884 J C Morgan, New Caledonia. Since, she traded the Pacific Islands for a few 'known' years and her remains now lie in Baie De La Moselle, Noumea

No image available

RANELAGH

1881-98

836 gross tons, 535 net. Lbd: 203'8" x 29'1" x 9'1". Iron steamship 2 masted and schooner rigged, compounded engine of 160 nhp. Built by J Key & Sons, Kinghorn as a passenger vessel for the ASN Co's East coast services. April 1887 of the AUSN Co. Wrecked upon Burnett Heads, Queensland 11th January 1898

left side image as a watercolour painting now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details right side image at Kangaroo Point Brisbane courtesy State Library Queensland

QUIRANG

1882-1902

1,166 gross tons, 653 net. Lbd: 220'2" x 31'1" x 19'1". Iron steamship 2 masted and schooner rigged, compounded engine of 200 nhp. Built by Blackwood & Gordon, Port Glasgow for ASN Co's east coast passenger services. April 1887 of the AUSN Co. Sold January 1900 to Endeavour Meat Co (G W Griffiths & Partners). Missing en route from Newcastle New South Wales to Dunedin New Zealand with a cargo of coal, having sailed on 22nd July 1902

image as a watercolour painting now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

GLANWORTH

1882-96

877 gross tons, 558 net. Lbd: 211'2" x 29'1" x 19'3". Iron steamship compounded engine of 160 nhp. Built by J Key & Sons, Kinghorn as a passenger vessel for the ASN Co's East coast services. April 1887 of the AUSN Co. January 25th 1896 she ran onto the reef at Settlement Point, Gatecombe Heads off Gladstone Queensland. Totally wrecked however all lives saved

left image as a watercolour painting now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details right side image taken 26 January 1896 as beached courtesy State Library Queensland

ROCKTON

1882-1923

1,971 gross tons, 1,189 net. Lbd: 27-'3" x 37'2" x 22'7". Iron steamship 2 masted schooner rigged, compounded engine producing 400 horsepower. Built as a passenger cargo steamship for ASN Co by Napier, Shanks & Bell, Yoker Scotland. Of AUSN Co April 1887. On charter to Huddart Parker & Co, Melbourne in 1898 in replacing their vessel 'Burrumbeet' from Melbourne to Newcastle.

Sold 1904 to Osaka Shosen Kaisha and renamed Kanko Maru. Sold 1917 to Hara Shin-ichi and renamed Shinsei Maru No. 5. Scrapped Japan 1923

upper left image as 1883 oil painting by W J Forster & upper right image as watercolour painting by A C Green now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcards and larger prints. Click photo for details lower left digital real photo in ASN livery & lower right in AUSN livery. Both also available here for purchase. Click any image for details

MANLY

1874-00

89 gross tons. Lbd: 101'4" x 17'7" x 8'2". Wooden steamship with 2 cylinder vertical engine = 45 horsepower built by Bower & Drake at Pyrmont, Sydney for T Hesselton. 1882 acquired by ASN Co. Of AUSN Co 1887. How or where she was employed after purchase is unknown, however in her final years serviced as a lighter until scrapped in 1906

No image available

CURRAJONG

1875-1910

603 gross tons. Lbd: 222'2" x 30'1" x 15'7". Iron twin screw steamship of 250 horsepower, schooner rigged with 3 masts as built by T Wingate & Co., Whiteinch, Glasgow. This vessel was to be named Marquis of Lorne, however prior to completion she was renamed the Victory. Purchased on the stocks by the Clarence & New England S.N. Co., Sydney and completed as the The Clarence. In 1883 Clarence & New England S.N. Co went broke and in March same year The Clarence was sold to the ASN Co and renamed Currajong. Laid up in 1887, sold to Mitchell and Woolcott-Waley in 1888 and converted to a collier. 1893 sold to the Bellambi Coal Company. Tuesday 8 March 1910 Sydney Harbour New South Wales, off Bradley's Head, she collided with the Wyreema and sank with loss of one life

image courtesy Wollongong City Library

CINTRA

1883-98

1,979 gross tons, 1,175 net. Lbd: 270'3" x 37'2" x 22'7". Iron steamship of 400 horsepower, 2 masts schooner rigged built by Napier, Shanks & Bell, Yoker Glasgow. Designed for the ASN Co's passenger trade and worked most of their ports of call and AUSN Co's coastal routes since 1887. Could carry up to 500 persons including crew. Scrapped Bombay 1908

image now available as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click photo for details

BONITO

1883-88+

77 gross tons. Lbd: 81'7" x 16'7" x 5'8". Wooden steamship, lugger rigged with 2 masts of 15 horsepower as built by Rock Davis, Brisbane Water New South Wales. Unknown how ASN Co employed her, but she was sold same year (1887) when AUSN Co came into being. New owners were Graziers Butchery Co, Brisbane and as likely she was used as a storage hulk

image courtesy State Library of Queensland. Better image pending

DINGADEE

1883-1926

640 gross tons. Lbd: 180'4" x 28'1" x 13'6". Built by Queenstown & Passage West Dock Co, Queenstown Ireland. Acquired 1883 ASN Co. Of AUSN Co 1887 and sold 1890 to Union Steamship Co, New Zealand. October 1900 owned by Black Ball Coal Co. 1903 owned by Dingadee Steamship Co. 1906 owned by T Tanaka of Tokyo and renamed Chokyu Maru No 3. 1924 owned by Taiwan Setofuku. Hayashi Kozo owned from January 1924 until scrapped 1926

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HESKETH

1883-99

640 gross tons, 393 net. Lbd: 180'4" x 28'1" x 13'6". Steel twin screw steamship built by Queenstown & Passage West Dock Co, Queenstown Ireland. Passenger vessel of 80 horsepower rated 10 knots of ASN Co for their Queensland Rivers' trades. Of AUSN Co from 1887 onwards until sold to New Zealand Shipping Co in 1897. Chartered to their subsidiary Company in Black Ball Co in the role of a collier. Wrecked Greymouth New Zealand October 1899

image courtesy State Library of Queensland. Better image pending

HORNET

1883-1915

55 gross tons. Lbd: 73'4" x 15'4" x 6'3". Iron steamship, single mast of 10 horsepower built by G Davidson, Pyrmont Sydney. Little known of this vessel, her dimensions show a design for inland river trade and lighterage only. Of AUSN Co 1887 and sold 1914 to Ross & Dowdell of Sydney. Foundered off North Head, Sydney 19th March 1915

No image available

CAHORS

1883-85

1,254 gross tons, 541 net. Lbd: 250'7" x 31'6" x 20'7". Steel steamship built by J Key & Sons, Kinghorn for ASN Co and placed upon their Sydney - Queensland passenger trade. Capable of 14.5 knots. June 10th 1885 wrecked upon Evan Head, New South Wales

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BIRKSGATE

1882-1907

1,458 gross tons, 916 net. Lbd: 255' x 33' x 21'7". Iron steamship, 2 masts and schooner rigged with compounded engine of 163 horsepower. Built by D & W Henderson, Patrick, Glasgow for H Simpson & Co (Black Diamond Line) registered Port Adelaide. Designed as a passenger-collier vessel running between South Australia and Newcastle, taking in Launceston en route. June 1884 acquired by ASN Co and of AUSN Co April 1887. 1897 purportedly conveyed passengers from Port Adelaide to the New Guinea goldfields. Sold July 1904 to Y Kensuke, Tokyo and renamed Saito Maru. Went missing, failed to arrive at Moji on a voyage from Chinnampo April 1907

Left side image (a636507r) courtesy State Library New South Wales Right side image as art (AUSN Co) now available for purchase here as a modern 6x4 inch postcard and larger print. Click images for details

TENTERDEN

1883-93

1,339 gross tons, 867 net. Lbd: 246'5" x 33'5" x 19'9". Iron steamship, 2 masted schooner rigged built by Campbell, McIntosh & Bowstead, Spotswood-on-Tyne for H Simpson & Co (Black Diamond Line) registered Port Adelaide. Designed as a collier vessel with limited passenger capacity working between South Australia and Newcastle, taking in Sydney and/or Launceston on the return journey. Was so popular her passenger accomodation was increased at Mort's Dockyard, Sydney during 1883. June 1884 acquired by ASN Co and of AUSN Co April 1887. Early 1890's travelled further to the Western Australia ports during the goldrush years. Was under charter to McIwraith-McEacharn Line, Melbourne when she was wrecked at MacDonnell Bay, South Australia on 23rd December 1893

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FITZROY

1883-97

869 gross tons, 504 net. Lbd: 209'5" x 28'0" x 18'6". Steel steamship compounded engine of 180 nhp. Built by J Key & Sons, Kinghorn as a passenger vessel for the ASN Co's Queensland trade. Of AUSN Co 1887. Wrecked upon Stockton Beach, near Morna Point, New South Wales 11th December 1897

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DOLPHIN
1884-1942

1884-1942

131 gross tons. Lbd: 117' x 20'2" x 7'3". Wooden steamship, compounded steam engine = 24 horsepower, single mast constructed at ASN Co's Pyrmont workshops, Sydney. Of AUSN Co 1887. 2nd mast added 1921, weight became 151 gross tons. Sold 1913 to Walter Reid & Co., Rockhampton. Sold March 18th 1918 to C Coghan. Sold July 1923 to C F Welleck. Acquisitioned 1942 for the US 'Small Ships Command' , removed from register and no trace of her since

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PALMER

1884-1927

267 gross tons, 133 net. Lbd: 140'2" x 26' x 8'5". Steel twin screw steamship, twin compounded engines of 74 horsepower built by J Fullerton, Paisley for ASN Co. As a passenger vessel, she frequented Queensland ports, especially Townsville, and also travelled as far as Fiji, possibly on the mail run. April 1887 of AUSN Co. 1890 her tonnage read 298 gross and 164 net. Sold April 1920 to J T Gray. November 1920 of the Victorian Shipping Co Ltd. March 1924 of John Burke Ltd., Brisbane. No doubt worked the North Queensland trade until converted into a lighter 1927. 1938 was still bunkering coal on the Brisbane River where and since, her remains are upon the South Bank near the Gray Street Bridge

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EURIMBLA

1884-1907

1,055 gross tons, 598 net. Lbd: 214'2'' x 31'2" x 19'2'. Steel steamship built by J Key & Sons, Kinghorn for ASN Co. As a passenger ship worked the 'Intercolonial' trade routes, coming under AUSN Co flag 1887 until sold 1905 to S Koida, Japan and renamed Hide Maru. Wrecked at Suyon Bay, Korea April 27th 1907

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