The cruise ship ORIENTAL QUEEN, ex HMAS KANIMBLA, in Sydney mid 1960s.

Built in 1936 for McIlwraith McEachern, KANIMBLA was a luxury accommodation passenger ship servicing Australian coastal ports. Converted to an armed merchant cruiser in late 1939, she saw service during the war in both the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy. Her numerous roles included convoy escort, landing ship and repatriation of servicemen.

Following an extensive refit she was returned to her owners in 1950 who sold her to Pacific Transport Co. in 1961.

Renamed ORIENTAL QUEEN her funnel colours were distinctive bands of red, white and black. After several years charter to the Indonesian Govt, she returned to Australia in 1963 for cruising by Dover Pacific Cruises.

Later chartered by Toyo Yusen of Japan she continued cruising between Aust. NZ, Japan and the Pacific before being sent to the breakers in Taiwan late 1973. (photo slnsw)

Source: Sydney harbour history