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AUSTRALIAN WHARF

Other Names

MELBOURNE GAS AND COKE COMPANY DOCK , BLUESTONE SLIPWAY

Location

NORTH WHARF ROAD DOCKLANDS, MELBOURNE CITY

File Number

10/000136

Level

Heritage Inventory Site

Statement of Significance

This place is included on the Victorian Heritage Inventory for it's potential to contain archaeological features and deposits relating to the Australian Wharf. Any work that will effect the subsurface of this site will require a consent from Heritage Victoria. Please contact Heritage Victoria for further information on this listing.

During the early 1800s, increased water traffic & industry along the Yarra River led to the need for additional wharfs. In 1855, the Australian (North) wharf was constructed along the river bank to accommodate the increased traffic from the gold rushes. The area was used as a wharf up until the construction of the Charles Grimes Bridge in 1975. The area has been unused since the mid 1970s.

Located on the north side of the Yarra between Spencers Street (to the adjacent west of the Spencer St Ferry Dock) and the Charles grimes Bridge area, this wharf is labeled as Australian Wharf in 1855 (Jones). The Melbourne Gas and Coke Company built a small dock for coal delivery in 1855, but it was filled in again in 1870 when a wharf was built for this purpose. A tramway also linked the wharf to the gas company, and special bucket cranes were installed to transfer coal from cargo steamers. The Australian Wharf was removed and replaced onto adjoining Railway land in 1882 when the river was widened, and had been extended by 1910 to the mouth of Victoria Dock. The wharf is shown in 1926 as being used for goods from the Metropolitan Gas Company, along with other Victorian and interstate vessels. The wharf was an important loading facility, especially for the gasworks.

Group

Manufacturing and Processing