Historic Manly ferry South Steyne listed for sale as floating venue
After stints as a Manly ferry, a floating restaurant and even an Olympic Games information centre, the heritage-listed vessel SS South Steyne has hit the market, with a reported price tag of around $2.5 million.
The 67-metre steamship features three principal decks and is currently configured as a versatile hospitality venue, with four function and exhibition areas, a restaurant and a lounge, plus extensive commercial catering infrastructure.
It represents a rare “float and go” opportunity for a savvy operator who appreciates the historic vessel’s consumer appeal, says listing agent Harry Mitchell of Colliers Sydney.
“It is a really enticing combination of heritage and functionality,” he says.
Built in Scotland in the early 1930s, South Steyne set sail for Australia in 1938 and began operating as a ferry as soon as it arrived. Initially painted white, it was repainted green when World War II broke out to prevent it being seen at night.
The steam-powered ship was the largest ferry to operate on Sydney Harbour and soon became a beloved fixture. It continued to service the Circular Quay to Manly route for 35 years before being retired.
After a period of rest, South Steyne underwent an extensive refurbishment in the 1980s and was reborn as a hospitality asset.
“The infrastructure from that initial refurbishment is still intact, including a commercial kitchen with freezers, cool rooms and a dumb waiter system to distribute food across all three levels,” Mitchell says.
Since the revamp, South Steyne has worn several hats. It was a floating restaurant in Darling Harbour for over a decade, drawing tourists and locals alike.
The ship also spent several years moored in Newcastle, where it operated as a function centre. And, to the delight of visitors, it housed an information centre during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Prospective buyers could use the ship in several ways, Mitchell says. Its present configuration, with several discrete function zones, makes it suitable for concurrent usage by different groups.
“It really is quite a substantial vessel,” Mitchell says. “When it was operating as a ferry, it could carry over 1700 passengers, and as a restaurant it could host over 500 diners.
“There are quite a few ways you could utilise the space today.”
There is also scope to activate the upper deck, which has remained unaltered since South Steyne’s ferry days. Any changes would be subject to approval based on the ship’s listing on the NSW State Heritage Register, Mitchell notes.
The vessel is currently moored at Berry’s Bay on the north side of Sydney Harbour. Colliers is transporting prospective buyers from Darling Harbour via water taxi for inspections.
Mitchell says the ship’s next chapter will be of great interest to maritime enthusiasts in Sydney and beyond.
“There is a lot of love for this vessel,” he says. “Its history as a ferry, and all the lives it’s had since, make it a bit of an icon.”
Expressions of interest close on Thursday, October 15.
