1983

Perhaps the most memorable occurrence at the Festival of Sydney 1984 was the sinking of the ferry Karrabbee after the Australia Day Ferrython. Having completed the race in third place, with its hull dangerously low, it made it back to Circular Quay just in time. Moments after passengers had disembarked, the ferry sank into the Harbour. Recovery efforts lasted a whole week.

The Festival of Sydney experienced a series of firsts in 1982 that would go on to become frequent occurrences in programs for years to come, the most beloved being Opera In The Domain. The Australian Opera and the Festival joined forces to present a free performance of Verdi’s La Traviatai in The Domain. This was the first time Dame Joan Sutherland had sung in a free outdoor performance – but certainly not the last.