The Gladstone-Townsville Passenger and Mail Service

The Auckland Point wharf was considered a white elephant, as it was remote from the rest of the town. The establishment of the meatworks in 1896 did nothing for this jetty as they had built their own wharf at Parson’s Point. A rail line was built from the railway station to the approach to the Auckland Point Wharf in 1890. 

In 1898, the government entered into a contract with Friends, as agents for the Australian United Steamship Navigation (AUSN) Co, to convey both passengers and a fast mail service to the ports north of Rockhampton, ie Mackay, Bowen and Townsville. On 7th October 1898, the SS Barcoo, of 1505 tons, handled the inaugural service.