Stage Number: MBNH.07.02.81
Group: Western
Local Study Area: Toowong-St Lucia-Indooroopilly
Epoch: Late 19th Century
Street Address: Across from the Regatta Hotel, Coronation Drive, Toowong
Latitude & Longitude: -27.48294444,152.99661111
Time Link: 1922
Map Link: 1923
Image Time Point: 1923
The ferries have existed since convict days and have been a vital transport facility for Brisbane. The first ferry in the district ran from Park Road Milton to South Brisbane commencing around 1914, and ceased in the 1940s. Percival Patrick Hanlon, the lessee, commenced the new Toowong–Hill End ferry service which operated from near the Regatta Hotel to Ferry Road, West End in 1922. It ran until1953. He first commenced operation using a row boat and then graduated to motor boats. An elderly Toowong resident recalls enjoying a ride across the river on the ferry for one penny. Various fares applied but “elephants were free’’. When Mr Hanlon became ill his wife Elizabeth Hanlon, nee Dale, obtained her Master’s license and ran the ferry during her husband’s illness but in 1953 Mr Hanlon was forced to retire from work. This ferry service continued until January 1974 when the Australia Day floods destroyed the jetty and pontoon.
John, Pearn, Auchenflower. The suburb and the name, 1997; Percy Hanlon, ‘Oh-ver’: History of Brisbane Cross River Ferries, 2000; Percy Hanlon, ‘Memories of a Ferryman’s son’. p124 in Leigh Chamberlain and Lindy: Salter, Toowong. A tram ride from the past: Toowong and District Historical Society Inc., 2008
QSA. QSA Series ID 2058 Moreton District Maps – A Series. 6 miles to the inch. Moreton District. 6 miles to the inch. Survey Office, Brisbane. 634900
