Book Talk: Sydney Harbour Ferries

Sydney Harbour Ferries is a stunning new hardcover publication that celebrates the ferries of the world’s most iconic harbour.

This publication is a pictorial showcase and a narrative journey, tracing the role of ferries from their beginnings as lifelines for early settlers, through their golden age before the Harbour Bridge, to their place today as essential transport and a favourite tourist experience.

With over 230 digitally remastered and colour-graded images, this new edition builds on the much-loved 2006 Sydney Ferry Book by Dale Budd and Randall Wilson. It brings together rare archival photographs, contemporary images and compelling stories to tell the complete story of Sydney’s ferries and their enduring place on the harbour.

Created as a gift to Sydney, this book is for residents, visitors and anyone with a love of the harbour. Whether you’re passionate about history, captivated by Sydney’s beauty, or simply appreciate finely designed high end books, Sydney Harbour Ferries is a must-have keepsake.

Join James Wilson as he talks about his passion for publishing a book that celebrates these magnificent iconic vessels of Sydney Harbour.

About the author

James Willson has had a lifelong connection with Sydney Harbour, a spiritual place he has cherished since his earliest memories. This deep-rooted bond was fostered by his grandfather, Robert Willson (1906-1995), who documented the evolving skyline of Sydney through photographs from the 1920s to the 1990s. Inspired by this legacy, James began his own photographic journey as a young boy in the 1990s, focusing on the dynamic beauty of Sydney Harbour.

Over the years, he has amassed an impressive collection of nearly 100,000 images, capturing the essence of the harbour from every angle, across every season, at every time of the day.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and be signed by the author.

For more information on any Members events please email [email protected]

B&W image: Ferry depot between McMahons Point & Blue Point, C1928 . Courtesy of Transport for NSW, State of NSW.

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