About Us
Bay Ferry Tours operates daily ferry tours in Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. We offer a unique and memorable experience aboard the iconic 1922 Wangi Queen, a beautiful heritage-listed ferry that provides a glimpse into early 1900’s Australian shipbuilding. Our tours explore the stunning marine park and its diverse ecosystem, including pristine beaches, secluded coves, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a relaxing and enjoyable time on the water, Bay Ferry Tours has something for everyone.
Directors of Bay Ferry Tours Pty Ltd
Shane Herrmann & Teresa Charchalis
Two Queens : Queen Mary 2 and Wangi Queen @ Campbells Cove, The Rocks Sydney Harbour 2013. Photo by Shane Herrmann.
Our Background
The directors of Bay Ferry Tours Pty Ltd have 20+ years experience operating vessels in Port Jackson and Port Stephens NSW. In the early 2000’s, Shane and Teresa operated a water taxi out of Manly, transporting guests aboard their 8m Scarab “Sea Change” around various bays of Sydney Harbour including Watsons Bay, Rose Bay, The Sebel and Darling Harbour; as well as twilight cruises and ‘Just Married’ wedding transfers.
Shane’s maritime experience began at Townsville Motorboat Club in the 1980’s. He worked for the Commodore of the Club, and crewed the lead relay vessel MV Tangaroa for the Coral Sea Classic between Cairns and Port Moresby, PNG. When in port, MV Tangaroa worked alongside Townsville Water Police and QLD Maritime. Shane was nominated as Launch Master operating commercial vessels within the harbour limits of Townsville, including Magnetic Island.
A long-held passion for timber vessels saw Shane and Teresa work with Sydney Tallships aboard the iconic vessels MV Mulgi, Soren Larsen, Southern Swan and Coral Trekker. It was during this time that Sydney Tallships acquired Wangi Queen Showboat and brought the vessel from Lake Macquarie to Port Jackson. Shane worked as the Master of Wangi Queen, operating the Convicts, Castles and Champagne tours out of historic Campbells Cove to Goat Island and Point Piper. Teresa worked aboard the tallships’ as the on board photographer, hanging out in the midship crows nest photographing guests doing the iconic tallship mast climb.
From 2014 to 2018 Shane and Teresa hosted experiences aboard the luxury motor vessels MV Ambience and MV Calypso, showcasing Sydney Harbour to international visitors with private tours that took in the grandeur of the harbour, complete with a three course barbecue lunch at anchor in beautiful Taylors Bay (behind Bradleys Head).
In 2018 they took over operating Port Stephens Ferry Service, running ferry tours between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens seven days a week aboard the green ferries MV Tea Gardens and MV Jesse. Public opinion of the service had severely declined, and the vessels were received in extremely poor condition. Over 4.5yrs they conducted extensive restoration works in excess of $220K, sanding the vessels back to timber and improving operations, establishing the business as a reliable friendly service upon which the community of Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Nelson Bay could rely.
Shane and Teresa are excited to now bring the iconic Wangi Queen Showboat to Port Stephens, and along with their experienced crew look forward to showcasing the stunning waterways of Port Stephens to locals and visitors alike.
Aboard Coral Trekker for the 2013 Royal Australian Navy International Tallship Review
From the midship mast of tallship Soren Larsen, 2011. Photo by Teresa Charchalis.
Shane Herrmann at the helm of luxury motor yacht MV Ambience, Sydney Harbour 2015
Teresa Charchalis, hostess & tour guide aboard MV Ambience, Sydney Harbour 2017
Sydney Harbour sunset aboard MV Calypso, Oct 2022. Photo by Shane Herrmann.