LITHGOW HISTORY

Lithgow is the smallest and oldest in the Rosman fleet. Built in 1927 on Brisbane Waters on the New South Wales Central Coast, Lithgow was one of a number of small commercial craft built in the Central Coast region by Gordon Beattie for local operation. After a varied working life as a ferry with 20 years' service around Gosford and then 60 years service on Sydney Harbour, Lithgow is one of the few surviving Central Coast-built ferries.

Lithgow remained in service with the Co-op for 20 years, running to Woy Woy and eturn. During World War II it is understood Lithgow was used to tow the military 45 foot tug boat hulls built in the area out of Brisbane Waters before another tow took over for the sea voyage to Sydney for fit out.

After the closure of the Co-op at Kincumber in 1944 it is understood that Lithgow was sold to Mr Cox of Stockton were it was converted to a fishing trawler and worked from the Newcastle area for a short period.

From 1946 to 1950 the ferry operated an off-peak service to Longueville on the Lane Cove River after the withdrawal of the Sydney Ferries service. It the joined Stannard Brother Launch Services, who changed the name to Lithgow, were it remained until 1983 when it was bought by Adam Huie of Banks Events. In 2009 it was purchased by Noakes Group to join their Rosman ferry fleet based in Berry's Bay, Sydney Harbour.

Builder: Gordon Beattie

Designer: unknown

Place Built: Brisbane Waters

Vessel Dimensions
LOA: 16.65 m (54.64 ft)
Breadth extreme: 3.96 m (12.99 ft)
Draft of Hull 1.65 m (5.41 ft)

Source: Australian National Maritime Museum
Lithgow in on the Australian National Maritime Museum Register of Historical Vessels