A FERRY service run by Southern Cross Cruises has proven to be a hugely popular form of transport at the Canberra 100 festivities, taking about 100 people at a time from the Regatta Point stage to Reconciliation Place, where the “World’s Longest Bubbly Bar” will soon open, serving specially produced Centenary Sparkling wine. 

The ferry’s captain was surprised by the long queues that formed almost immediately after the ferry began operating at 12pm.

“It’s unbelievable; I didn’t expect this many people!

“As soon as they get on I’m going across, dropping them off, getting another hundred people on and getting them back.  It’s just full-on, the response has been fabulous.” -Brian Marriott.

His passengers all seemed to be enjoying the celebrations, despite large and growing queues for the boat and many of the food and drink stalls.

Craig Rankine came out just after lunchtime with wife Leanne and their children Charlotte, Zac and Chloe.

“Beautiful day, beautiful weather. First time we’ve been on the ferry as well. We’re very grateful for being in Canberra, it’s a lovely city to be in.

“I think the way it’s been built is just superb – people in other capital cities around the world would be envious of the way we are here. I think the ones that are negative towards Canberra are actually the ones that haven’t been.” -Craig Rankine, Amaroo.

 

“It’s pretty cool; I’ve never seen so many people in Canberra!  The ferry is wonderful too!” –Debbie Li, ANU student.

 

“We’ve been here for about four hours, and we’ve stopped in at some of the multicultural things on the other side – particularly the Hungarian tent and the Chinese tent. We’ve been having a fab time.

“We’re queueing up to catch the ferry now because we couldn’t actually find the bus stop. We’ve been waiting about five minutes and we’re hoping we’ll all fit on.” –Vivienne Bordas, Tharwa.