MOYNE RIVER FORD RUINS

2 REGENT STREET AND 111 GRIFFITHS STREET PORT FAIRY, MOYNE SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    MOYNE RIVER FORD RUINS - History

    Prior to the construction of a timber bridge over the Moyne River at the northern extent of Gipps Street in the early 1850s, the only available crossing point appears to have been a ford located at a bend in the river north of the township that could be used to wade or ride accross. This ford is marked on plans dating to 1850.

    Interpretation of Site

    MOYNE RIVER FORD RUINS - Interpretation of Site

    The current bridge is on a slightly different alignment to where the ford was located in historical maps. The eastern bank appears to be unmodified by cultural processes though it appears some bluestone boulders have been placed in an effort to stabilise the bank, while the western side has been built up to form the approach for the current bridge. There are Norfolk pines where the western landing may have been. It is reported that at very low tides, sections of the cut/flattened rock can be observed. It has been interpreted that the rock was cut to facilitate the movement of carts up the bank of the ford.

    Archaeological Significance

    MOYNE RIVER FORD RUINS - Archaeological Significance

    The possible archaeological significance of the site lies in what modifications were made to the river banks to allow for the passage of carts, animals and people as well as the whether the approaches to the ford were formalised in the form of paved surfaces. This could also inform whether the crossing was an important one for the town and also whether it was crossed on all tides.

    Historical Significance

    MOYNE RIVER FORD RUINS - Historical Significance

    The site was the earliest recorded crossing over the Moyne River. It linked the young town with farming settlements to the east.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    MOYNE RIVER FORD RUINS - Heritage Inventory Description

    The site is located in the vicinity of the current Gipps Street bridge on the Moyne River. The eastern bank is a vegetated mudflat at low tide and is backed by the Botanic Gardens. The west bank is also a mudflat but as it is grassed, it has not been covered with water for some time. The approach to the current bridge on the western bank has been built up.
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