This story could not have been more deeply researched. It covers some of the history of steam ships, of ship building on the Clyde and particularly of the ship's builders, Bow, McLachlan & Co. of Paisley on the south bank of the River Clyde, immediately opposite John Brown's shipyard at Clydebank. Then comes the history of Pilotage on the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay. There are extensive end notes, references both print and internet. `

There is a full chapter on her ongoing restoration by Sydney Heritage Fleet.

"This is a must read for all maritime enthusiast and for those who are interested in an account of a steamship built in Scotland during a time of extraordinary vision and marine engineering".

Tim Drinkwater

Operations Manager Sydney Heritage Fleet

In the ODYSSEY by Homer the ten-year homeward voyage of the hero Odysseus was a mixture of strange encounters and struggle in dire situations.

Built in 1927 the steamer JOHN OXLEY has had a far longer voyage, longer than anyone could predict, as vessels of her generation are now few in number. While her history may not include tangling with sirens, beating off a six headed sea monster, or descending into The Underworld, the former Brisbane pilot steamer has had brushes with whales, destroyers and oil tankers in a storm-tossed Moreton Bay.

     Becoming obsolete in 1970, steam enthusiasts brought the Clyde-built vessel to Sydney. After 22 years of restoration JOHN OXLEY is now on her homeward voyage — to be operational again and a tangible contribution to the maritime history of Australia. 

280 pp. paperback. over 200 illustrations, photos, drawings and paintings, some colour. size 26 x 18 cm. 

All profits go directly to Kanangra's restoration fund.

 This is a very practical device:

Strongly constructed, containing  a smooth clean fine point pen, a spirit level, a 3 inch / 70 mm ruler, a phone/ipad touch tip, and reversible Philips and slotted jewellers screw driver.  Bears the inscription "Kanangra Ferry 1912. Sydney Heritage Fleet"