The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler turns 35!
Penrith’s first tourist attraction, the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler, is turning 35 in November, and former passengers from around Australia are being invited to help celebrate the event by contributing memories, stories, photographs and videos, which will create a living history of the Western Sydney icon. Not only are her owners keen to hear people’s experiences of being on the boat, but the best contribution will win a Christmas party for ten people at $1000.
Originally going to be named ‘Explorer Princess’, the paddlewheeler was the dream of John Wakeling and his wife Helen who moved to the Nepean area in 1976. John’s design for the boat was based on the Mississippi sternwheelers, and it was the last hull project built by De Havilland Marine at Homebush Bay. The Wakelings owned and operated the Nepean Belle for over thirty years, before selling it to local couple Chris and Carol Bennett in October 2013. The couple have continued the boat’s proud history, running regular cruises each week, as well as lunch and dinner cruises every weekend.
The NSW Department of Environment and Planning originally refused approval for the slipway on the Nepean River, but it was eventually approved in March 1982, subject to some modifications. The ‘Belle’ as she is affectionately known, was launched on the Nepean River on 21 October 1982, and welcomed her first passengers on board with a charity gala day on 14 November the same year.
Since 1982 the Nepean Belle has played an integral role in events and experiences for countless families, couples, individuals, social groups and businesses, all of whom hold fond memories of occasions such as weddings, baptisms and naming ceremonies, birthdays, Mother’s Day lunches, Christmas parties and even wakes and the spreading of ashes. One local resident chose to be married on the boat because it was a way to be close to her late father, whose ashes had been scattered in the river.
A special website has been created to allow people to upload their photos, videos, memories and stories of the Nepean Belle at www. memoriesofthebelle.com.au. Every entry will be eligible to win the prize of a Christmas party for ten on the Nepean Belle valued at $1000.
For further information go to the website, or contact the Nepean Belle on (02) 4733 1274 or email [email protected].
