The Queensland Government ordered Lucinda from the Scottish shipyard of William Denny & Brothers at Dumbarton in January 1884 to replace an earlier steam yacht Kate from 1864.

[3] The press reported that "Although technically designated as only as lighthouse tender, the Lucinda is in reality one of the most magnificent upholstered and effectively equipped steamers afloat.

The specification notes that "an oval shaped deck opening in centre, with stained glass skylight, afforded light and ventilation" and that the "aft part of the deckhouse was fitted up as a ladies' ante-room, with side panels of japanese tapestry."

[2] As well as servicing Queensland lighthouses, the steamer was used for ministerial visits along the coast (and to New Guinea on occasion), cabinet meetings on the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay, picnic outings for various associations and annual excursions for school children in the state.

[2] Another captain was Dennis O'Hara Burke 'Dinney' (years of service not known) of Mount Cotton (born in Kinsale, Ireland) who married Mary Ann Hughes in Brisbane in 1903.

From 1927 to 1931, the Kunde boys (Ben, Sim, Vince and Joe) ran the Loganholme Ferries until the 'New (now called 'Old') Logan River Bridge' was completed.

On 28 January 1937, the vessel was beached on the south east side of Bishop Island at the mouth of the Brisbane River to form a breakwater,[10][11] after she had been cut down to a bare hull.