PS Decoy / "The Decoy" is a privately owned paddle steamer used for river boat charters on the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia.[2] Its designated home port is Fremantle, Western Australia. Built in 1986 in Fremantle, The Decoy is a replica of the original paddle steamer (the original was shipped in parts from Scotland to Melbourne for assembly in the 1870's, before she eventually sailed to the Swan River).
She was used in the filming of the television mini-series Cloudstreet, which was based on Tim Winton's novel.[1]
History
The Decoy was built by Australian Ship Building Industries in Fremantle in 1986, a replica of the original paddle steamer that operated on the Swan River in the 1870s. The vessel was significantly refurbished in 2024 under the stewardship of a Western Australian family, and is available for corporate functions, private charters and events.
Engines
Decoy is powered by a 1905 Ransome Sims and Jefferies twin cylinder steam engine, which was salvaged and restored from Bunnings engineering workshops in Manjimup.[3] The engine was totally rebuilt in 1986 with a new oil fired burner and maxitherm boiler fitted.[1]
Service
Decoy is registered in Fremantle and is berthed at the Mends Street Jetty in South Perth. Swan River cruises take the form of private boat charter, being corporate and private functions (Christmas parties, staff parties, birthday parties, memorial services), weddings and publicly ticketed events. Sunday afternoon jazz - and other styles of music.
Operation of the vessel is conducted without the support of public funds and charitable donations, hence relies on revenue from private hire to keep the vessel in operation.
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