AUSTRALIAN WHARF
NORTH WHARF ROAD DOCKLANDS, MELBOURNE CITY
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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.
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AUSTRALIAN WHARF - History
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 accomodate 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 teh 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 labelled 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.
AUSTRALIAN WHARF - Interpretation of Site
Bluestone paving area - Possibly a slipway for small boats and/or unloading of cargo for nearby industry. Pavement laid prior to construction of the Australian (North) Wharf in 1855. Following construction of the wharf, the site was forgotten and covered in flood deposits and construction/demolition rubble.
AUSTRALIAN WHARF - Archaeological Significance
Site has limited archaeological significance, as teh bluestone pavement overlays sterile deposits and is now covered by unstratified rubble & flood deposits.
AUSTRALIAN WHARF - Historical Significance
Site has limited historical significance, apart from an addition to our understanding of early river bank modification in Melbourne.
Heritage Inventory Description
AUSTRALIAN WHARF - Heritage Inventory Description
The once wharf structure that extended from Victoria Dock to Spencer St Dock is today most likely covered by landfill.
Bluestone pavement, most likely a slipway, located adjacent to H1798 'Berth No.5 North Wharf', Wurundjeri Way and the Yarra River in Docklands, Melbounre. Pavement consists of at least 37 rows of roughly cut rectangular blocks with a single row of square bluestone blocks along the side closest to the river.
Possible wharf structure and associated archaeological deposits pertaining to the site's former use.
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NO.2 GOODS SHEDVictorian Heritage Register H0933
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MISSIONS TO SEAMENVictorian Heritage Register H1496
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CARGO SHEDS 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Victorian Heritage Register H0891
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