YARRA SWINGING BASIN

KING STREET AND QUEENS BRIDGE STREET MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    YARRA SWINGING BASIN - History

    A natural wide pool once existed at the base of the Yarra falls, which was used to turn and moor ships in 1836. During the 1840s, the natural basin was deepened when the government contracted a dredging machine to make the Yarra River navigable for larger vessels. In 1851, Blackburn proposed that the pool be widened to form a large trapezoidal dock, and that it be connected to the proposed Straight Cut Canal. Lying between King and Queens St, it was bordered by Queens Wharf on Northern Side in 1855 (Jones). The basin was built and is shown as the furthest accessible point for sailing ships in 1910 (Reed). The Metropolitan Town Planning Commission recommended filling in the basin in 1929.

    Interpretation of Site

    YARRA SWINGING BASIN - Interpretation of Site

    Lying between King and Queens St, it was bordered by Queen's Wharf on Northern Side in 1855 (Jones). The basin was built and is shown as the furthest accessible point for sailing ships in 1910 (Reed). The Metropolitan Town Planning Commission recommended filling in the basin in 1929.

    The Yarra Swinging Basin is still evident, although its NE corner has been reclaimed. The level of dredging in the river here, along with the annual river floods are likely to have removed most of the deposits associated with the wharf usage, but piles from the original wharves may still exist under the embankment walls on either side. Possible capstan for turning vessels.

    Part of the original swing basin has been reclaimed and now lies under Batman Park (east end). There is a high potential for relics in the basin post dating the construction of the Spencer Street Bridge, when dredging had ceased. The stone walls surrounding the swing basin are later additions, from when the basin was widened. The basin is still evident, although its NE corner has been reclaimed. The level of dredging in the river here, along with the annual river floods are likely to have removed most of the deposits associated with the wharf usage, but piles from the original wharves may still exist under the embankment walls on either side.

    This was the first swing basin built in the Yarra River, which utilised the previous natural basin feature. It is a significant feature of the current and past Melbourne waterfront.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    YARRA SWINGING BASIN - Heritage Inventory Description

    The Yarra Swinging Basin is still evident, although itsnortheastern corner has been reclaimed.

    Swing basin, wharf walls, possible structural remains of capstan for turning vessels, and archaeological deposits associated with the site's former use.

    Archeological Potential:

    Good

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