The Bundeena Ferry - The oldest continuously run ferry service!

[@Rheilffordd]

A big thank you to all the friendly folks at Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises company for having me along for the day and to film and capture this wonderful and historic transport service! This service runs daily, weather dependent, and their timetable and fares information is on their website, link is in the description above. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like, and I invite you to subscribe to the channel for more transport content like this! Go watch my other previous videos if you're new here, to see what I'm about!

[@ronvorbach1464]

I`m 74 now and I went on this maybe 68 years ago and I am surprised it is still running. Thank you for this.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@ronvorbach1464 wow ok, hope you’re delighted to see both MV Curranulla (And Bundeena) are going strong! 💪

[@Ecka63]

I used to holiday in Cronulla in the late 1960's and my parents would always take my sister and I to Bundeena on the ferry, one of my favourite childhood memories. I returned to the ferry in 2019 and was amazed to see that the crew were still using what appeared to be the original ticket bag! One of the best day trips in Sydney without doubt.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@Ecka63 that’s so awesome! I assume when you went to Bundeena in the 60s it was with any of the vessels featured in the video?

[@Ecka63]

@@Rheilffordd I was very young, only 4 or 5 when I last went on the ferry in the late 60's but I'm certain it was the Curranulla, I clearly remember the shape and deck layout. Thanks for sharing your video and bringing the memories back!!

[@daviddou1408]

@@Ecka63 It could also have been the "Bundeena" being the same in shape but slightly larger.

[@Taitset]

Awesome stuff! I didn't know about this one.

[@hazptmedia]

New video coming up?

[@Rheilffordd]

@@Taitset I reckon a video on the closest ferry stops to train stations might be an idea? 😜

[@Taitset]

@Rheilffordd I was thinking closest fish and chip shops to ferry wharves.. At Watson's Bay the ferry almost comes into the shop!

[@FabDoesStuff]

My uncle used to use this before he retired. He lived in Bundeena but worked in Gosford. Caught the 6AM Ferry service, then the train from Cronulla to Central, then the CCN Intercity Train to Gosford and walked from there! He became well known amongst the Ferry staff before he retired. Whenever we stayed over at his and my Aunty's place, we'd often catch the Ferry for a day out in Cronulla. The staff are so friendly. Good to see the ferry still working well!

[@Rheilffordd]

@@FabDoesStuff wow that is a very long commute for your uncle, but sounds like to much a degree he greatly enjoyed doing it!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great work! I caught this ferry a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@FromtheWindowSeat hey Adam! Same, I first caught it in 2010, thought it was cool and was astounded to see her still going in 2024, so a video topic it must! 😁

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

@@Rheilffordd Yes - great thinking!

[@samdaly799]

Added to the To-Do list, thank you for the great video my friend.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@samdaly799 all good! Hope you’re keeping alright

[@ragsmartel]

Lovely piece @Rheilffordd. Enjoyed going below deck to see the engine. Awesome drone shots too! Felt like I took the ride myself.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@ragsmartel Thanks man! Out of all things on that vessel, that engine is the real hero of this operation 😛

[@EliGreiss]

This is amazing. I love all of the interviews.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@EliGreiss thanks man! Feel free to check out our other videos if they’re of interest to you 😁

[@georgesmith4509]

At 84 I can still remember catching the ferry from Cronulla to hike to Little Marly beach camping as a scout. It was also when you had to change trains at Sutherland and catch a"Tin Hare" rail motor to get to waterfall (Camp Couts)

[@Rheilffordd]

@@georgesmith4509 thanks for sharing, wow that is indeed a long time ago! I absolutely love the Tin Hare railmotors too

[@pearlbayud5180]

fantastic... born and raised in Cronulla and this ferry I have traveled on many times and its just a beautiful relaxing journey and must for everyone visiting.

[@Victorian_steam]

Great video!! Fantastic boats

[@Rheilffordd]

Thanks man!

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Nice work and especially the drone work!

[@Rheilffordd]

@@michaelbruchas6663 thanks Michael! Lots of practice behind those ones 😂

[@JJG18]

A Sutherland Shire institution - great video!

[@Rheilffordd]

@@JJG18 Thanks Jeremy! Here’s hoping she sails for many years to come?

[@stevenpam]

With the colour scheme, woodwork, and fittings, it reminds me of a floating W-class Melbourne tram!

[@Rheilffordd]

Hahah yeeessss!! and the W Class Tram is my favourite tram out of any tram that has ever existed!

[@duster8100]

I used to put the Bundeena mail on the ferry every morning and loved the wait for it to arrive. it was so peaceful waiting on the wharf with the flat water and lots of boats to look at.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@duster8100 wow wouldn’t it be awesome if the ferry could carry the mail like it used to! While filming I did spend an hour or so by the wharf waiting for the ferry to arrive and it was beautifully peaceful and serene!

[@GreatAussieDrives]

Excellent video Maikha! I've used the Bundeena ferry a few times (being a Shire resident) but I had no idea the service or the vessel were that old 🤯 It's definitely a treasure for sure! I do think that allowing Opal cards would be good though, as its the only consistent public transport link Bundeena has (the 989 bus only runs to Cronulla and Engadine once a week - come to think of it that bus might be deserving of its own video given its unique status being the only route run by the family-owned Maianbar Bundeena Bus Service).

[@Rheilffordd]

@@GreatAussieDrives I agree, Opal integration would definitely be nice!

[@daviddou1408]

Unfortunately a private business. If I remember correctly the Government had plans but that would have meant replacing the Curranulla with a bright new flashy thingy and there was too much kickback.

[@briansimpson9576]

Good to bring back memories seeing the old ferry especially being a direct decentant of the Simpson cottage and Simpson s hotel ❤

[@Rheilffordd]

Excellent stuff! The Simpson Hotel has a very significant history to Bundeena and that side of the hacking!

[@SiobhanIsntShane]

A good one, interesting to watch

[@Rheilffordd]

@@SiobhanIsntShane Thanks! Feel free to check out our other videos as well 😁

[@VincentBigiolli]

A great video, this is now on my bucket list 😊 thanks for the information on this little know ferry.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@VincentBigiolli Definitely worth a visit next time you’re in Sydney!

[@daviddou1408]

Some good research into the history, the earlier launches used as ferries around the bays is not well known. What you did miss though is the Tom Thumb III used as a backup and for the river cruises. The Bundeena when retired from this service was transported to Tasmania and used on Lake Pedder before being transported to Port Arthur and used for cruises to the Isle of the Dead. When I went on it there many years ago I was most disappointed that the engine bay had a shop built over the top covering it from view. I was always fascinated by it as a lad and spent more time looking at the engine than at the views. But then having been born in Cronulla and lived with bay views and on the bays sailing and skiing they were just a background. It is also noted that the Curranulla was designed with a fantail stern to help its stability when on following seas such as when traversing Port Hacking from Bundeena to Gunnamatta Bay.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@daviddou1408 I did see the Tom Thumb III (Originally the “Alma G”) moored nearby and it is used as a tours ferry for Port Hacking. The focus of the video was mainly on the commuter ferry route and the MV Curranulla. MV Bundeena also has a rich history and who knows….. we might do a video on her one day! 😜

[@daviddou1408]

@@Rheilffordd What I didn't pick up on earlier at 1:22 the "Bundeena" is just over the head of the woman sitting at the stern of the Curranulla. It being the boat facing with the light blue rail.

[@michaelhall8586]

I like this video. It’s ferry good

[@Rheilffordd]

@@michaelhall8586 haha, I see what you did there 😜

[@carlramirez6339]

Imagine losing that unique ticket inspector's bag.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@carlramirez6339 a bigger loss than than the ferry withdrawing service!

[@Windows818]

I’m on one right now

[@emanym]

It survives because guys like me who live in Bundeena need it to get into town. The buses out of the park don’t run every day.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@emanym I’m so glad to see you have such a wonderful transport link to get you out of (Otherwise beautiful and stunning!) Bundeena!

[@Windows818]

Hello

[@Rheilffordd]

@Windows818 hi

[@michaelminogue5028]

Great video but not quite correct. Roads and Maritime Services have a vehicle ferry “ number 07”. It has been operating since 1897 and has been and still operating today.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@michaelminogue5028 Hi Michael! Thanks for the feedback and also the correction. I am indeed intrigued, can you elaborate further on where this vehicle ferry is located? Thanks!

[@krishender]

Yes, I remember my grandparents, who had a house at Sutherland, using the 'vehicle ferry' (from Cronulla to Bundeena) to take us on weekend picnics to Bundeena - back in the early 1950's....I was about 3 or 4 - really use to enjoy that crossing !!

[@Rheilffordd]

@@krishender you can certainly return and relive those trips again…. on the same vessel 😁

[@daviddou1408]

The oldest commuter ferry, not the oldest ferry and would your "vehicle ferry" be better described as a punt. More detail as to its use and its location would be appreciated as googling does not show it.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@daviddou1408 i’m intrigued by this car ferry, but need further elaboration, which hasn’t been received yet 😜

[@stephenarbon2227]

The oldest continuously operated ferry, not the oldest ferry service some of which would a hundred years older.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@stephenarbon2227 correct, as elaborated in the introduction to the video 😛

[@anthonyj7989]

@@RheilfforddI would think Sydney would also take some records for the longest continuous run ferry services in a city, as well.

[@hayloft3834]

@@anthonyj7989 Yes, run but not ferry. Curranulla commissioned 12th May 1939, do you have an older one still operating? @michaelminogue5028 states that "the Roads and Maritime Services have a vehicle ferry “ number 07”. It has been operating since 1897," Would this be a ferry or more likely be a punt, he has given no detail as to it, nor where it is located.

[@daviddou1408]

"The oldest commuter ferry" not the oldest ferry route.

[@Rheilffordd]

@@daviddou1408 yes agreed, as elaborated in my video 😜

[@ch64621]

I would like to sail on this boat when I am next in Sydney

[@Rheilffordd]

@@ch64621 absolutely highly recommended, and spend abit of time in Bundeena as well, very nice little town 👍

[@user-rl5nd3ys8p]

Could imagine "Fred ❤Beryl" inscribed in the timbers.