Sophia Jane was the first paddle steamer to operate in coastal waters of NSW. She was built in England and arrived in Sydney in May 1831.Sophia Jane advertised on 13 June 1831 the first Australian steamship cruise to be held on Friday the 17th of June in the Sydney Herald. Sophia Jane was a 256-ton brig rigged steamer. She was an auxiliary steamer, like all the early steamers, using her paddle wheels only when winds were inadequate or contrary.