13/12/2023
Blast from the parst
(1/3) 49 years ago Thursday, 12 December 1974, with the Jolly Roger flying cheekily from the masthead, Lugarno ferry master Maurice Chegwidden was behind the control along with assistant Charlie Murray, when the the ferry service made its final crossing of the Georges River from Lugarno to Illawong at 6:30pm.
The Georges River has been used by travellers as a crossing point since the 1840’s for access to or through the area. The ferry in the photo was aptly named “Lugarno” and had been in operation since 1961 continuing to provide this vital transport link. For the passengers seen here on board it was a last chance to enjoy and be part of a significant historical moment making one of the remaining crossings by ferry before it disappeared from the local landscape forever and the Alfords Point Bridge was used to cross the river.
PHOTO - Sunday 10 December 1974, Lugarno ferry about to dock on the Sutherland Shire side of the Georges River. A record day with 2,112 vehicles carried.
HISTORY
The first Lugarno Ferry was a hand-winched punt that began operating in 1843 until it was deemed to be unviable and ceased operation in 1860.
17 years later, a second Lugarno Ferry was opened a little further up river in 1887, where it operated until the opening of the Alfords Point Bridge saw a decline in use. The final journey of the Lugarno to Illawong ferry service occurred 48 years ago today »» The 16 car ferry was later overhauled and towed to Berowra to replace a much older ferry.
LUGARNO FERRY TIMELINE
1788
Captain John Hunter explores 'West River' (now Georges River) to Alfords Point and Salt Pan Creek.
1830's
Colonial Secretary petitioned by residents requesting an official Sydney-Illawarra road be constructed. Surveyor General proposes a line of road that would cross the Georges River at a narrow straits at Lugarno that had been used as a crossing by cattle-drovers for many years.
early 1843
Illawarra Road now Forest Road completed to Lugano.
1 Jul 1843
The Surveyor General reported that the ferry was in place (350m down river from its final location at Edith Bay). A hand-winched ferry with a capacity of 2 horse carts or 3 with skilful manoeuvring and the rear gate left partly open, was established replacing the previous row boat system.
1847
The ferry was driven against rocks and wrecked during a hurricane in August. After being replaced, the ferry continued to operate under various puntsmen until 1860.
1860
The Government growing tired of subsidising which received little patronage, closed the service at the end of the year.
1887
Government Gazette of 10 June notifies the re-establishment of the ferry. the ferry was relocated to its new and final location.
1 Jan 1907
With the enactment of the 1906 Local Government Act the ferry operation became a concern of Hurstville Council, tolls were removed and the ferrymen paid £2 a week under contract with the Council.
1911
On Easter Sunday, the cable broke and the drifting ferry was rescued by an attachment of soldiers waiting to cross the river.
1913
Controversy surrounded the renewal of the ferryman "Dad" Saunders contract. He was over 70 years old and needed assistance from passengers to winch the ferry across the river. While some passengers complained others willingly assisted. Funny enough, his contract was renewed to June 1914.
1916
The ferry sunk at its moorings in July and was taken to Tom Ugly's Point for repair.
Aug 1916
Lugarno ferry back in service after several months due to its sinking.
Mar 1919
The cable broke again, the ferry drifted down river with horses and carts on board. By late afternoon the punt had been retrieved but was out of operation until a new cable was purchased. The ferry was idle again for 6 weeks from 28 November awaiting repairs.
Late 1919
The ferry again out of due to lack of maintenance. This leads to legal threats of legal action against Hurstville Council.
1921
The Illawong area was transferred from Hurstville Council to Sutherland Council along with responsibility for the ferry. Sutherland and Hurstville councils shared the running costs.
1923
The ferryman's Annual Report shows 1,868 motor cars/bicycles and 24,307 passengers were carried in the year.
Early 1924
Sutherland Shire Council completes a road from the ferry landing opposite Lugarno to Liverpool leading to a increase of traffic through Lugarno.
Aug 1920
The first moves for a bridge from Lugarno to Sutherland Shire.
June 1921
The land opposite Lugarno, as well as the ferry service, transferred to Sutherland Shire Council.
Late 1927 to early 1928
The ferry again out of action.
Feb 1928
The acquisition of a new ferry.
April 14 1928
The second of the hand-winched ferries ceased operation, replaced with six-car diesel ferry.
May 1935
Yet another attempt to construct a bridge at Lugarno refused by the State Government. This was to continue for the next few decades!
Sept 1948
The first mention of a bridge at Alfords Point as well as Taren Point
1950's
The six car ferry proves inadequate in coping with increasing traffic volume.
July 16 1961
A new 16 car ferry commenced operation with The Department of Main Roads chipping in with Sutherland and Hurstville councils sharing the running costs - With the commencement of the new ferry a 24 hour service was established and deck hands covered 3 shifts. It was built at Newcastle and towed from there to the Georges River, It was aptly named “Lugarno”.
1965
Consideration was given to replacing the ferry with the one from Taren Point with the opening of the Captain Cook Bridge on 29 May, however it was too large for the proposed location.
April 1969
The building of Alfords Point Bridge confirmed.
10 Dec 1972
A record day (Sunday) with 2,112 vehicles carried (pictured above)
7 Sept 1973
Traffic crossing the ferry fell below a financially viable level after Alfords Point Bridge opens.
12 Dec 1974
At 6:30pm the Lugarno Ferry crossed the Georges River for the last time bringing a significant chapter to Lugarno's history to a close.
Post 2/3 👉 https://www.facebook.com/100072207206515/posts/378845307865706/?
Post 3/3 👉 https://www.facebook.com/100072207206515/posts/378845254532378/?
🎥 Lugarno Ferry montage - Through The Years 👉 https://www.facebook.com/1504661053097610/posts/2365259430371097/
[Photo courtesy Sutherland Shire Libraries]
