STEAMPACKET RESERVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PREC.
EASTERN BEACH GEELONG, GREATER GEELONG CITY
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Statement of Significance
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STEAMPACKET RESERVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PREC. - History
Steam Packet Wharf:The second wharf built in Geelong, was situated opposite Macks Hotel. The jetty/pier was built in 1847 (Loney, 1981:134), and was shown in an 1848 plan with a cross pier extending midway on its eastern side (G41, G89). The structure is labelled "New Pier" in these plans, but is shown in subsequent plans as "Steam packet Jetty" (G111, G134, G285: 1856-58), "Steamboat Jetty" (PRO RFCL 1640). The pier was originally used almost exclusively for the passenger steamers, as the Queens Wharf facility was inadequate, and a narrow cross wharf connected to the Yarra Pier for the convenience of Bay Steamer and inter Colonial passengers. It was abandoned and dismantled in 1875 (Brownhill, 1990: 45; Loney, 1981:60).
Howard Smith and Company Offices and Coal Yards: In 1888, the Howard Smith Company leased the corner of Moorabool and Victoria Terrace office and coal yard, and a lease was taken to reclaim the foreshore between Moorabool and Yarra St (threlfall). Associated with the development of the Bay Steamer Trade.
Small Craft Jetty: Small craft pier first shown in the area in 1937 plan (G387). Alexander Thompson Pier was built in 1968 by the GHT (plaque on pier).
Central Geelong Seawall and Land Reclamation: By the 1880s, work had begun to straighten and secure the shoreline on both sides on Moorabool Pier. The work was drawn out and sporadic, with silt laden punts ferrying dredge spoil from the channel deepening at Point Henry to add to the landfill. A seawall was built approximately 80m to the north of the then foreshore, and formed an integral part of the foreshore reclamation works. Shipping agents headquarters and coal yards were subsequently built on this land (Brownhill, 1990:633). The initial phase of the development began between Moorabool Jetty and Steamboat Jetty (G121). By 1898, the seawall had been completed between Moorabool Pier to Railway Pier and further to the west. Works were still underway to complete the section between now demolished Steamboat Wharf and Yarra Pier, which was to be filled with ships ballast. This area has been subject to extensive rubbish disposal from the township for many years, prior to the land reclamation. A number of open drains are also known to have existed in this area (F81).
Public Works Slipway:
A Public Works slipway was shown in this area prior to the installation of the reclamation seawall in 1898 (G387). A Geelong Harbour Trust Store yard was shown here in 1937 (G389). The La Parisian Restaurant building was once the former goods shed from the end of the Yarra Pier, which was moved to this location when the pier was demolished (Craddock, Gordon, pers comms)
Electric Supply Company Jetty:
The pier is mentioned in the Geelong Advertiser (14/11/1932) in conjunction with a near drowning when a lad fell through holes in the decking. It appears the pier was in a poor state of repair at that stage and may have been demolished soon afterwards.
HUDDART PARKER AND COMPANY OFFICES AND COAL YARDS
Peter Huddart was a pioneer coal merchant in Geelong, and together with his nephew James, created the Huddart Parker Company (Brownhill, 1990: 289). First shown on reclaimed land site in 1897 plan.
STEAMPACKET RESERVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PREC. - Interpretation of Site
Seawall: The seawall is intact except for a section where the Moorabool Basin has been excavated. Possible archaeological material from various maritime sources may lie behind the seawall, including former ships ballast, artefacts associated with pier/ jetty use, rubbish disposal discard and possible flotsam and jetsam. The seawall has a number of ringbolts and chains on the eastern extremity in association with extant pier piles, which are probably associated with either the former Steamboat Wharf or have been provided for temporary small boat mooring. The stepped design of the seawall suggests that the area may also have been subsequently used for swimming or small boat launching access. A brick lined drain is also evident on the western extremity of the site near Cunningham Pier.
Small Craft Jetty: TYhe new Alexander Thompson pier has been built over the site of the previous pier (at its root) but on a differnet angle. Rmains of the previous pier are probably under the present one. This is of low significance.
Howard Smith and Company Coal Yards, McIlwraith & McEachran and Company Coal Yard and Offices, Western Timber Company Yard: Former remnants of the site may exist below ground, the now grassed area of the gardens appears undisturbed.
Steam Packet Wharf: Extensive artefact concentrations associated both with use of the jetty and rubbish dumping from the twon are likely to exist under land reclamation and were also inspected by Duncan in 2002. Piles and iron ring bolts and chains at the foot of the Central Geelong Seawall are probably remnants of the former pier structure.
Public Works Slipway: Structural and archaeological remians are possible.
Heritage Study and Grading
Heritage Victoria - Maritime Infrastructure Assessment Project
Author: Heritage Victoria
Year: 2005
Grading:
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FORMER GEELONG WOOL EXCHANGEVictorian Heritage Register H0622
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FORMER SCOTTISH CHIEFS HOTELVictorian Heritage Register H0662
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CORIO VILLAVictorian Heritage Register H0193
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