The MV Collaroy, one of Sydney’s most recognisable ferries on the beloved Circular Quay to Manly route, is set to be scrapped after Transport for NSW opened tenders for the vessel’s disposal.
Read: Narrabeen Ferry Set to Return to Manly Route After Major Repairs
The Freshwater-class ferry, which retired from passenger service in September 2023, has reached what Transport for NSW describes as “the end of its economic life” as a public transport vessel. According to tender documentation on its procurement website, scrapping has been identified as “the only viable method of disposal.”
The tender, which closes on 16 March 2026, seeks “ship recycling yards or contractors experienced in ferry decommissioning and vessel disposal” with the capacity to dismantle a passenger ferry and manage the lawful disposal of vessel materials.
A Ferry Built for the Ocean
The MV Collaroy was the final Freshwater-class ferry to enter service in 1988 and was named after Collaroy Beach. Unlike her sister vessels, she was uniquely equipped with underwater stabilisers, enhanced radar for ocean cruises, and thicker hull plating.
This special design earned Collaroy the honour of carrying the Olympic Flame across Sydney Harbour during the 2000 Summer Olympics. However, her service wasn’t without incident—in February 2001, the ferry ran aground on Manly Point, requiring $2 million in repairs and several months out of service.
The Collaroy was originally meant to continue operating alongside her sister vessel Freshwater on weekends and public holidays. However, in June 2022, it was announced that she would be retired due to difficulty obtaining parts for her unique systems.
The Last RiverCat
Meanwhile, the phasing out of Sydney’s RiverCat fleet is nearly complete. The MV Dawn Fraser remains the last operational RiverCat. Six of her sister ships have already been scrapped at Yamba by Polaris Marine Group. The seven RiverCat catamarans, all named after famous Australian female athletes, entered service between 1992 and 1995 on the Parramatta River route.
The RiverCats are being replaced by seven new Parramatta River-class ferries. According to Transport for NSW, the new vessels use 40 per cent less diesel and are future-proofed for conversion to electric propulsion. Six of the new vessels are already in service.
End of an Era
For many Northern Beaches residents who have commuted to the city or enjoyed leisurely harbour crossings aboard the Collaroy, the news represents the closing of a cherished chapter. The ferry’s distinctive profile and ocean-going capabilities made her a standout in Sydney’s fleet for more than three decades.
The scrapping of both the Collaroy and the remaining RiverCats marks a significant shift in Sydney’s ferry operations. While the new vessels promise improved environmental performance and modern amenities, the retirement of these iconic ferries signals the end of an era for Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River.
Read: Australian-Made Revamp Gives Manly Fast Ferry a Stylish Upgrade
As tender bids for the Collaroy’s disposal are evaluated in the coming months, maritime enthusiasts and regular commuters alike may feel a pang of nostalgia for the ferry that once carried the Olympic flame and countless passengers across one of the world’s most beautiful harbours.
Published 16-January-2026
