Fairlight was a paddle steamer ferry that operated on the Circular Quay to Manly run from 1878 to 1914.

She cost £16,000 including delivery, a sum for which the Port Jackson Steamship Company mortgaged itself heavily to pay.

At the time, she was the most well-appointed Manly ferry with cushioned seats, closed in salons and carpeted floors.

She was sail rigged to augment her modest coal supplies, and steamed to Sydney in fifty-six days.

Fairlight was found to be at fault with insufficient crew on the day to have a lookout posted fore and aft.