Andy Crespin was recommended to look at this site by Carol Mavroidaki (Late ex-crew mermber). He never sailed on the ship, but does remember the Australis docking at Southampton. Andy and his friend often got up at some early hour of the morning to get shots of her arriving at dawn, as well as her departing in the evening.

Andy has been scanning his old slides, and he has very kindly sent me a few 'gems' of her in Southampton from his collection. At the time he was using just a small 'Instamatic' (weren't we all! - Ken), but being on Kodak slide film, they have stood the test of time.

Andy described the memorable experiences of seeing the Australis arrive and depart at Southampton, which he used to enjoy. "It was always a smokey, steamy time when she departed. People were crying and calling out to their friends, with streamers everywhere. Then the worn out steam horn would 'blow' its 3 blasts of farewell. The tugs would be pulling full ahead, the distinctive Crossley Diesel exhaust note sounded, and smoke ensuing from their funnels indicated the hard work they were doing"

Welcome all visitors to the S.S. Australis Website, which has now been online since 1998! I will continue to update the site if I receive a new story, or if you have interesting photos taken on the ship during your voyage on either the southbound, northbound, or on one of the South Pacific cruises. We used to do those trips several times a year from Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland (New Zealand). I am deeply moved by the interest and wonderful contributions from the numerous passengers and crew over many years. You can send an e-mail to me on the link below: A HUGE THANK YOU Warm Regards Ken