Lady Denman (M.V.)

Item details


Name of item:	Lady Denman (M.V.)
Other name/s:	Sydney ferry, M.V. "Lady Denman"
Type of item:	Movable / Collection
Group/Collection:	Transport - Water
Category:	Vessel - harbour & river
Location:	Lat: -35.0340081561 Long: 150.6674485140
Primary address:	Dent Street, Huskisson, NSW 2540
Parish:	Currambene
County:	St Vincent
Local govt. area:	Shoalhaven
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Jerrinja

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	138		DP	720912

Boundary:

The SHR curtilage boundary is limited to the item itself and does not include the land it is located on or the structure it is housed within.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Dent Street	Huskisson	Shoalhaven	Currambene	St Vincent	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Lady Denman Heritage Complex Huskisson Inc.	Community Group

Statement of significance:


	A rare surviving example of the characteristic type of ferryboat which served Sydney Harbour over more than a century, having a long (67 year) association with Sydney Harbour. Strongly associated in the minds of Sydneysiders and past Sydney visitors with the image of Sydney as a harbour city. One of only two surviving traditional wooden Inner Harbour Ferries. A rare surviving example of the design work of Walter Reeks, an innovative and pioneering Australian naval architect. The last remaining ferry built in Huskisson, strongly associated with Huskisson as a place of manufacture and a fine example of the timber ship-building industry at Huskisson. Significant relic of South Coast family timber ship building industry.
	Date significance updated: 04 May 01
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Walter Reeks
Builder/Maker:	Joseph Dent
Construction years:	1911-1912
Physical description:	Double ended wooden ferry, 33.6m long, 7.6m wide (110.4 x 25.0 x 9.0 feet), displacing 96 gross tons. 2 decks, engine room in hull. Hull built by Joseph Dent at Huskisson, NSW for the Balmain New Ferry Co. Ltd. Originally a steam ship. Current configuration with1962 Crossley diesel engine driving a single "push-pull" screw. Main deck orginally featured men's and woman's saloons. Fitted with lavatories & wooden batten seats. Wheel houses at either end. Spotted gum used extensively. Ferry is now out of the water, mounted in a display well at the Lady Denman Heritage Complex, Huskisson to which it was donated by the NSW Government in 1979. (Prescott 1984; Oliver 1998)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical Condition is good as a result of recent conservation work, arresting a long period of deterioration. Machinery removed for separate display.
	Date condition updated:02 Jun 98
Modifications and dates:	Originally fitted with 2 cylinder 38 hp compound steam engine built by Chapman and Co. Ltd. and tall funnel. 1936 - Fitted with 228 bhp 6 cylinder diesel engine built by L. Gardner and Sons Ltd. and short funnel. 1962 - Fitted with 300 bhp 4 cylinder diesel engine built by Crossley Brothers. Sundry modifications to seating, upper deck exits etc, dates unknown - during working life of ferry 1990s - part of engine removed to facilitate relocation. Parts held at LDHC near ferry. (Prescott 1984)


Current use:	Museum exhibit
Former use:	Aboriginal land, ferry

History

Historical notes:

The Lady Denman was built in Huskisson in 1911 for the Balmain New Ferry Co. Ltd. (subsequently taken over by Sydney Ferries Ltd.) by Joseph Dent, and named after the wife of the then Governor General. The hull was built in Huskisson from local timber, launched then floated to Sydney where machinery was installed and upperworks completed.

1912 - 1936 Lane Cove River run
War years - Cockatoo Island run
End of war to 1979 - Inner Harbour runs, including Taronga Park Zoo, Milsons Point, Cremorne, Hunter's Hill
1979 - Given by Ministry of Transport to Huskisson citizens
1981 - Transported to Jervis Bay
1983 - Moved to Lady Denman Park, Huskisson
1988 - Lady Denman Heritage Complex opened around the Ferry.

The ferry was designed by Walter Reeks, an innovative Sydney naval architect known for his pioneering designs in double-ended propulsion.
(Oliver 1998; Prescott 1984)

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Tourism-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Boat Building and Shipwrighting-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Shipping-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	River Transport-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Wharf and shipping history-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	administering the public ferry system-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Maintaining maritime transport routes-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Maritime navigation and regulation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	20th century Suburban Developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing the social life of a rural community-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the suburbs-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	community park-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing ports-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Wharfside and Port Work Culture-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on the waterfront-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in ports and on shipping-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working complex machinery and technologies-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - providing public transport-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Administering ports and shipping facilities-Includes maladministration.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community organisations-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Lord Denman, fifth Australian Governor-General-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Lady Denman, wife of fifth Governor-General-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dr Richard Sylvan (formerly Routley-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	A rare surviving example of the characteristic type of ferryboat which served Sydney Harbour over more than a century. A rare surviving example of the design work of Walter Reeks, an innovative and pioneering Australian naval architect. The last remaining ferry built in Huskisson, in service for 67 years and one of two surviving traditional wooden Inner Harbour Ferries. Significant relic of South Coast family ship building industry. The only Sydney Harbour ferry or Australian commercial vessel to be returned to its place of construction. (Prescott 1984; Oliver 1998)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Traditional style of ferry, now virtually unrepresented. Current location amongst spotted gums from which it was built. "From Trees to Seas" theme. (Oliver 1998)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	One of the longest running Sydney Harbour Ferries, which carried tens of millions of passengers over 67 years, representing era of wooden ferries. Strongly associated in the minds of Sydneysiders and past Sydney visitors with the image of Sydney as a harbour city. Central exhibit of LDHC, which places wooden ship building in its environment, historical and social context. (Prescott 1984; Oliver 1998)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Rare evidence of the pioneering design innovations in double ended propulsion undertaken by naval architect Walter Reeks. Preserves construction techniques described by traditional boat builder, Alf Settree in National Trust 1997 Award winning documentary video, 'From Trees to Seas' (Prescott 1984; Oliver 1998)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	(1) Last remaining ferry built in Huskisson (2) One of three surviving traditional wooden larger Sydney Harbour Ferries (3) One of the last two original Lady Class Ferries (4) only such vessel returned to its place of construction. (Oliver 1998)
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Represents (1) Jervis Bay wooden ship building industry (2) Lady class ferries (3) Sydney Harbour wooden ferries. (Oliver 1998)
Integrity/Intactness:	Apart from the removal of the engine (on site with ferry), ferry remains as it was when decomissioned. Relatively minor changes during working life, apart from change from steam to diesel. This reflects the quality of its design and construction which gave it a working life far beyond its anticipated design life. (Prescott 1984; Oliver 1998)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:


	Continuing conservation work under cover of museum building.

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01518	09 Nov 01	173	9165

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	A.M. Prescott	1988	'Reeks, Walter 1861-1925' in Serle, Geoffrey (ed) Australian Dictionary of Biography v2 (1891-1934)
Written	Dan Price	1991	Response to Questions concerning Ferry conservation
Written	Graeme Andrews	1997	Untitled letter of support for Ferry Conservation project
Written	Graeme Andrews	1994	Ferries of Sydney
Tourism	Jervis Bay Maritime Museum and Gallery	2007	Lady Denman (M.V.)	View detail
Written	Michael Staples, Conservation Shipwight National Maritime Museum	1991	Response to Questions concerning Ferry conservation
Written	Robyn Oliver	1998	NSW State Heritage Inventory Form
Written	Robyn Oliver and John Hatton	2000	Lady Denman Conservation Management Plan
Written	Ross Saunders	1988	No Way To Treat a Lady
Written	Walter Reeks	1911	General arrangement drawing of a double ended ferry steamer

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5001284
File number:	H00/00063

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