The slip was constructed in 1887 by Danish born, renowned Gippsland boat builder, Sylvia Eriksen.
Eriksen built some of the early screw steamers such as the SS ‘Ariel’ c 1875, the SS ‘Tambo’ c 1882 and the SS ‘JCD’ c 1888 which served the Gippsland water highways for well over half a century. Eriksen also built the Slipway in Paynesville which, in a modernised form, is still in operation today. The slip was capable of hauling even the largest of steamers. It was on this site that he built the hugely successful screw steamer, SS ‘JCD’.
The slip was later sold to Peter Tierney who also used the slip for ship building. The screw steamer SS ‘Gippsland’ was built by him, on this site, in 1908.
The slip also housed the original hand operated punt which was constructed in 1903 to carry goods and passengers across McMillan Strait to Raymond Island.
The Victorian Government purchased the Slipway in 1914 and it has remained in constant use ever since.
The original timber slip and winch shed structure have survived the ravages of time and remain as a reminder of hustling and bustling days of the water highways where steam screw ships and paddle steamers traversed the oceans, lakes and rivers – essential for transport – safely and efficiently delivering goods, services and passengers . . .
Helpful Hints:
– Located some 1.5 km from Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– Car Parking available along Slip Road
– Other Historical POI’s in Paynesville
– Museums
– Facilities available at Paynesville
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- Sealed Road