The first pier to be built at ‘Sandridge’ (now known as Port Melbourne) dates way back to 1849:
” . . . In January, 1849, a jetty was commenced at Sandridge; and in a year was completed. It was 400 feet long by 15 feet wide. Its cost was about ,£1,000, and at high water the small steamers lay at the end in about 8 feet of water . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘The Chronicles of Early Melbourne – 1835 to 1951 – Vol II’ – by Garryowen – published 1888
Perhaps name ‘Sandridge’ came to be as it presented as a ridge of sand in those early days ? . . .
” . . . Sandridge, with the surrounding district, is believed to have formed at some remote period a delta of the Yarra, which discharged into the sea through the old lagoon, and from Sandridge to Emerald Hill by this route was not a pleasant, though not a distant stroll, for almost every step of the way one was more than ankle deep in sand . . . “
Source: Excerpt – ‘The Chronicles of Early Melbourne – 1835 to 1951 – Vol I’ – by Garryowen – published 1888
” . . . I further propose to make the now bustling borough of Sandridge our starting point. Standing at the Bay Street pier, and looking around and over the water to the other side, it is amusing to contemplate the now and the then. Let any person, even the most seriously disposed, try, if he can, to read without a smile the following notice which appears in the Melbourne Advertiser of 1838, over the sign-manual of one H . M’Lean :—
“The undersigned begs to inform the public that he has a boat and two men in readiness for the purpose of crossing and re-crossing passengers between Williamstown and the opposite beach. Parties from Melbourne are requested to raise a smoke, and the boat will be at their service as soon as practicable. The least charge is five shillings, and two shillings each when the number exceeds two.”
Source: Excerpt – ‘The Chronicles of Early Melbourne – 1835 to 1951 – Vol I’ – by Garryowen – published 1888
Helpful Hints:
– Located at the South End of Bay Street – obtain Directions here
– Angle Parking is available along Bay Street
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- Off Street Parking
- Sealed Road