LEMON TREE PASSAGE FERRY FIELD GUIDE
A Century-Old Timber Ferry Across Port Stephens: Lemon Tree Passage to Karuah aboard the 1922 Wangi Queen
One-hour cruises each way aboard the heritage-listed 1922 Wangi Queen with a riverside lunch in Karuah and the chance to buy fresh oysters and prawns—this guide lays out schedule, boarding, and what to bring.
A Century-Old Timber Ferry Across Port Stephens: Lemon Tree Passage to Karuah aboard the 1922 Wangi Queen.
Catch the 1922 Wangi Queen at Lemon Tree Passage for a short, scenic ferry crossing to Karuah: a maritime outing that pairs a heritage timber vessel and two-deck vantage points over the waters of the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park with an onshore lunch at Bridgeview Restaurant and the option to collect fresh Karuah oysters and prawns to take home.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Heritage-listed 1922 Wangi Queen
A rare timber ferry built in 1922 by the Beattie Brothers from handcut Watagans Forest timbers, the Wangi Queen is heritage-listed and offers two decks from which to take in the waterway.
An hour across Port Stephens' protected waters
Each leg is a one-hour cruise, giving passengers extended time on deck to scan the sheltered channels and estuarine landscape of the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park.
Lunch at Bridgeview and fresh Karuah shellfish
Disembark at Longworth Park Jetty and walk across to the RSL to enjoy Bridgeview Restaurant lunch options (from $15 per person for members, $18 for non-members), then pick up fresh oysters and prawns from Maurice Oysters to take home.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing unfolds as a brief but unhurried maritime escape: board at Lemon Tree Passage in the mid-morning for a one-hour cruise aboard the 1922 Wangi Queen, step ashore at Longworth Park Jetty to cross to the RSL and enjoy lunch at Bridgeview Restaurant, then re-board in the afternoon for the return crossing.
THE VESSEL
Heritage-listed 1922 Wangi Queen
A rare timber ferry built in 1922 by the Beattie Brothers from handcut Watagans Forest timbers, the Wangi Queen is heritage-listed and offers two decks from which to take in the waterway.
THE ROUTE
An hour across Port Stephens' protected waters
Each leg is a one-hour cruise, giving passengers extended time on deck to scan the sheltered channels and estuarine landscape of the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park.
THE LOCAL FLAVOURS
Lunch at Bridgeview and fresh Karuah shellfish
Disembark at Longworth Park Jetty and walk across to the RSL to enjoy Bridgeview Restaurant lunch options (from $15 per person for members, $18 for non-members), then pick up fresh oysters and prawns from Maurice Oysters to take home.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing is described for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Umbrella or raincoat in case of weather, a warm cardigan for cooler months, sunscreen, a cap or hat, a camera and it is okay to bring your own bottled water.
Dress in layers for wind and sun exposure on deck; bring waterproof or warm clothing as needed and protect cameras and electronics from spray.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time does the ferry leave Lemon Tree Passage?
The ferry departs Lemon Tree Passage at 10:30am; boarding commences 15 minutes before departure.
How long is the cruise?
Each leg of the trip is a one-hour cruise.
Where do I park?
Plenty of off-street free parking is available at 54 Cook Parade.
Is lunch provided on the trip?
Lunch is not provided, but you can walk from Longworth Park Jetty to the RSL and enjoy Bridgeview Restaurant lunch options from $15 per person for members or $18 per person for non-members.
Can I buy fresh seafood on the day?
Yes — you can pick up fresh Karuah oysters and prawns from Maurice Oysters to take home.
What should I bring onto the ferry?
Bring an umbrella or raincoat, a warm cardigan in cooler months, sunscreen, a cap or hat, a camera, and you may bring your own bottled water.