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MV Kilkie on the Coomera River
Kilkie reading and colouring book

  •  'Kilkie' is one of the oldest commercial vessels still operating in Queensland.
  •  The interior is spacious and has been refurbished. 
  • Fully enclosed with clears which are opened in warm weather.
  •  Toilet onboard.
  •  Thirty feet in length, twelve feet in beam and she draws three feet.
  •  Although licensed for 39 passengers, she's most comfortable with groups of 20 to 25.



HISTORY

  She was built in 1955 at Thompson's shipyard at Bulimba, Brisbane.First used on the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast as a school ferry and mail boat and also used on the Noosa River Everglades. She has been in Sanctuary Cove since 1988.  'Kilkie' was built quickly, a hardwood frame clad in double 'skin' of plywood attached by copper roves. Many years later she was upended by a crane and the underwater section was fibre-glassed. Maintaining the top sides and superstructure is an ongoing process. The 60hp Fordson diesel has recently been replaced with a Yanmar that is much quieter and lighter. But don't worry the old motor (which is very reliable) will be fitted to a heritage workboat on Sydney Harbour. The 'Kilkie' story and colouring-in book tells some of her history and is available from her present custodians for $10.     


Kilkie Interior

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