YARRA STREET JETTY
EASTERN BEACH GEELONG, GREATER GEELONG CITY
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Statement of Significance
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YARRA STREET JETTY - History
A small jetty was shown at this site as early as 1848 (G12). It had been extended to its current length by 1858 (G134). A short pier section had been added in 1851 (G80), and a narrow cross wharf connected to the Steampacket Jetty for the convenience of Bay Steamer passengers. By 1854, the stonework and earthen interior was crumbling into the bay (Brownhill, 1990: 45, 284). The pier was extended to its full length by the 1920s (F81), after several alterations including the addition of a number of landings and goods sheds. A side pier was added by 1880, the Fishermans Jetty or Arm (PRO RFCL 1684, Downes 1893), and this formed the basis of a fishing boat harbour.
The Yarra St Pier was extensively used for international wool exports during the period following the gold rush. Many clippers ships docked here to load wool for English markets (Henry, 1944:11).
Craig Elstone, who was contracted to remove the pier piles in the late 1980s, said that although he was told there would be an estimated 1000 piles to remove in total, he gave up when he reached 1500 piles, and that was just over halfway out on the pier's length from the shore. Anderson, Mills and Elstone (pers comms) have all described " a forest of piles" left in the area.
YARRA STREET JETTY - Interpretation of Site
The second built section of the Jetty structure is still extant, and is constructed of dressed square sided bluestone blocks. The original jetty probably is extant under the present car park at the northern end of Yarra St. Piles from the pier structure are evident above water at the northern end of the jetty section Multiple piles still remain offshore, as the old piles were not removed when being replaced, but new piles were driven alongside them (Elstone, pers comms).
Heritage Study and Grading
Heritage Victoria - Maritime Infrastructure Assessment Project
Author: Heritage Victoria
Year: 2005
Grading:
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FIRST CUSTOMS HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H0185
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FORMER SCOTTISH CHIEFS HOTELVictorian Heritage Register H0662
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CORIO VILLAVictorian Heritage Register H0193
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