The NSW government has promised more reliable and safer travel on Parramatta River, with the first of seven new ferries arriving in Sydney after a maiden voyage from a Hobart shipyard.
The ferry, named after botanist and Indigenous elder Frances Bodkin, motored into Sydney Harbour on Sunday as part of the fleet to replace the city's ageing RiverCats.
The new vessels for the Parramatta River route are made in Australia, fulfilling a Labor election promise to stop buying overseas-made transport infrastructure.
The government says the ferries will improve on 10 overseas-built and problem-plagued River Class vessels that entered service in 2021. They were unable to fit under some bridges while passengers were on the top deck.
"The people of Parramatta and all of those who travel on the Parramatta River will finally be able to have access to brand new, safe, reliable ferries that they always deserved," Transport Minister Jo Haylen said in welcoming the ferry to Sydney with Premier Chris Minns.
Designed by a Sydney-based marine engineering company, the vessel was constructed by shipbuilders in Hobart, with the build starting last July.
The Frances Bodkin arrived in Sydney after stopping at Flinders Island and Eden during the 1000km trip north from Tasmania's capital.
It will now be cleaned and undergo further sea trials to ensure readiness for passengers to hop on board in the next few weeks, the government said.
The ferry will predominantly run in calm river conditions on the F3 route, between Parramatta and Circular Quay.
"This state-of-the-art Australian-designed, Australian-made vessel is just weeks away from passenger service and we couldn't be more excited for people to be able to jump onboard," Ms Haylen said.
"If she can conquer the Bass Strait, she's going to be brilliant on the Parramatta River."
The state Liberal opposition was contacted for comment.
