Brisbane's Beloved Kookaburra Queen Paddleboat Found Sinking in River Shallows
If you have grown up in Brisbane, you have likely celebrated weddings, Mother's Day gatherings, or birthdays aboard one of the iconic Kookaburra Queen paddleboats. These vessels have been a cherished part of river life for generations. Now, in a heartbreaking turn of events, one of these historic boats has been discovered sinking in the shallow waters of the Brisbane River, urgently requiring attention to prevent further damage.
Historic Vessels Built for World Expo '88
Originally, there were two nearly identical Kookaburra Queen paddleboats, constructed more than four decades ago specifically for World Expo '88. Nicknamed the 'Kookas,' they closely resembled classic Mississippi River steamers from the United States, featuring timber hulls, iconic paddlewheels, and sweeping decks. This distinctive design made them instantly recognisable on the Brisbane River, where both became beloved fixtures, hosting countless events and celebrations over the years.
Kookaburra Queen I was launched in 1986 as one of the first wooden paddlewheel vessels built in Australia, crafted to be a major attraction during World Expo '88 on the Brisbane River. After more than 40 years of river cruising, one of these historic paddleboats has been spotted partially submerged, with water lapping up the sides and onto the deck. A small crew is working desperately to pump out the water, but the situation appears dire.
Heartbreaking Scene and Mysterious Cause
Former owner Jim Kelly, who continued working on the vessel alongside the new owner after it was auctioned off, described the scene as heartbreaking. He expressed sadness over the situation, noting that it will be expensive and very difficult to recover once fully submerged. Kelly also mentioned that it is a mystery why the boat suddenly took on water, as it was in good condition just a month ago when he was on it.
The boat was sold at auction with bidding starting at a symbolic $9 before closing at around $500,000. Built in Bulimba, the Kookaburra Queens have been a fixture of the River City for generations. Alex Rolfe, whose father was one of the part-owners of the Kookas in the early 2000s, started working on the vessel when he was just 10 years old. He shared fond memories of his time on the boats, calling them a piece of history that the community desperately loves.
Community Hopes for Preservation and Future Use
Rolfe lamented the loss of the opportunity to go on cruises on the Kookas, emphasizing that it is a bit of history that needs to be preserved. He suggested that having the vessel on the river during the Olympics would serve as a showpiece for Brisbane. Even if it could be repurposed as a floating restaurant, it would mean the world to many. Rolfe recalled the iconic sounds of the paddles going through the water and the horn, which are cherished memories for countless residents.
The sinking of the Kookaburra Queen highlights the urgent need for action to save this historic vessel. As efforts continue to pump out water and assess the damage, the community remains hopeful that this iconic piece of Brisbane's heritage can be restored and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
