The Hydrofoil Manly, Australia’s first commercial hydrofoil, began its service between Circular Quay and Manly 60 years ago. Operated initially by the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company, it marked the dawn of high-speed ferry travel on Sydney Harbour.
A Leap into the Future: The Birth of the Hydrofoil Manly
The Hydrofoil Manly was a Supramar PT20 type hydrofoil. It was introduced to Sydney Harbour in January 1965. Built by Hitachi in Japan under licence from Sachsenberg Supramar, it was the first high-speed ferry of its kind in Australia. It aimed to revitalise ferry patronage when traditional ferry use was declining.
Photo Credit: Mark Faviell/Flickr
The vessel used to carry 72 passengers and reach 35 knots. It reduced the travel time between Circular Quay and Manly. Its arrival was seen as a modern marvel. Its sleek design and cutting-edge speed captured the public’s imagination. The cost to build the Manly was £140,000, a substantial investment at the time.
Speeding Through the Harbour: The Manly Experience
The first regular passenger service commenced on 7 January 1965. The journey, which once took over half an hour, was cut down to just 17 minutes. The travel time made it an attractive option for commuters and tourists alike. However, the hydrofoil’s early years were not without challenges.
The propellers were identified as having a notable design flaw, which led to their replacement in 1968. Despite this, the Manly continued to serve as a symbol of speed and innovation on the harbour. Its distinctive green and white colour scheme later changed to red and white and then to shades of off-white and cream. This reflected changes in ownership and branding.
Photo Credit: Geoff Eastwood/Flickr
Challenges and Changes
Despite its promising start, the vessel faced ongoing challenges. The hydrofoil’s capacity was limited to just 72 passengers. It was far fewer than the conventional ferries of the time. Additionally, operating costs proved high, and mechanical issues often disrupted services.
In 1973, after introducing larger hydrofoils, Manly briefly operated a new service between Circular Quay and Gladesville. However, excessive noise when navigating the Parramatta River led to its withdrawal after just six months.
As more advanced models joined the fleet, the original Manly hydrofoil became a backup vessel. It slowly faded into the background of Sydney’s evolving ferry network.
Photo Credit: Geoff Eastwood/Flickr
From Speed to Scrap: The Final Voyage of Manly
By 1980, the Hydrofoil Manly was officially retired from service. It was sold to Hydrofoil Seaflight Services in Queensland. Renamed as Enterprise, it was used between Rosslyn Bay and Great Keppel Island.
Unfortunately, the venture did not succeed. The vessel was laid up for several years. Later, the foils and engine were removed, and the hull was repurposed as a floating restaurant. In 1995, it was moved to a private property north of Sydney for conversion into a private cruise boat.
Photo Credit: Geoff Eastwood/Flickr
Ultimately, the iconic vessel’s journey ended when the hull was scrapped. Its alloy body is taken for recycling.
Manly’s Legacy: Remembering the Iconic Hydrofoil
Though the Hydrofoil Manly no longer glides across Sydney Harbour, it remains a symbol of innovation and ambition. It set the pace for modern ferry services and challenged the traditional methods of public transport on the harbour. Today, its legacy lives on in the stories and memories of those who witnessed its impactful era of speed and style.
Published 29-Mar-2025
