Stockton ferry, the Hunter, is back on the harbour after receiving a face lift just in time for the Newcastle 500.
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The ferry’s refurbishment features new seating on the boat’s back deck as well as spaces for wheelchairs, surfboards and bicycles.
The Hunter was taken to Port Macquarie in September to undergo the makeover in time for Newcastle’s calendar event.
The boat returned to the Stockton to Queens Wharf route on Wednesday.
Transport Newcastle’s director of corporate affairs, Andrew Fletcher, said the ferry had been refreshed after more than 30 years of service, and 400,000 trips on the harbour.
“Floors, ceilings, windows and lighting have been replaced in the face lift, the bike racks have been improved and new surfboard racks added,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The new seating and indoor colour palette gives the ferry a much more modern look and the changes to the interior have opened up much more space for passengers.”
The Hunter will carry spectators to the Supercars Newcastle 500 over the coming weekend. More than 3500 people used the park and ride ferry service from Stockton on the first day of the races last year.
New features:
- Four on-board wheelchair spaces
- Four surfboard racks
- Improved spaces for bikes
- Outdoor seating on the back deck
- New internal seating
“It’s perfect timing to have the Hunter renovated for this year’s Supercars Newcastle 500 event, with better accessibility for the large crowds travelling between Stockton and Queens Wharf,” Mr Fletcher said.
The Shortland will undergo a similar refurbishment in early 2019.
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