Sydney Harbour Ferries celebrates the legacy of one of Australia’s most recognisable icons. This limited-edition publication is a beautifully curated piece that documents the harbour, the ferries and everyday commuter life over the course of nearly 100 years.
CRE8IVE’s Founder and Managing Director, James Willson wanted to capture the spirit, culture and evolution of Sydney through the story of its ferries. With an expansive archive of photography, historical documentation and personal memories spanning almost 100 years, there was an opportunity to create something timeless.
We began by defining exactly who this book was for – Sydneysiders, maritime enthusiasts and anyone who feels a personal connection to the harbour. With that audience clearly in mind, we curated a collection of contemporary and historical photography.
Every page needed a sense of lived experience and legacy. So, chapter by chapter, we mapped the creative direction, crafted the copy and refined the visual narrative so the book wouldn’t just document a cultural icon, it would honour it. As the concept grew in scale, every decision pushed the project toward a premium, meaningful object we knew our audience would cherish.
Inspired by the natural beauty of Sydney Harbour, CRE8IVE developed a design concept shaped by water and motion. The team collaborated with an exceptional group of contributors, including Sydney Ferries operator Haig Gilchrist and long-time ferry identities John Darroch and Nicholas Baker. Working with such stalwarts of the harbour brought authentic voices.
From visual design to image grading, editing and typesetting, CRE8IVE guided every stage of the process. Their hands-on involvement is what transformed the concept into a premium hardcover keepsake. The book was launched via a dedicated Shopify website, supported by social media promotion, corporate partnerships, and distribution through third-party retailers.
Sydney Harbour Ferries is a standout publication. It preserves the character, heritage and heart of Sydney’s harbour for future generations. It captures a living story of movement and connection, reaffirming the ferries as more than just a mode of transport but a symbol of the city itself.
