LADY BAY TRAMWAY AND TRAMWAY JETTY SITE

WORM BAY ROAD WARRNAMBOOL, WARRNAMBOOL CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    LADY BAY TRAMWAY AND TRAMWAY JETTY SITE - History

    In 1856 a decision was made by Municipal Council to establish a tramway linking the township of Warrnambool to the port in order to improve transport and shipping. The proposal included the construction of a timber jetty adjacent to Thornton's Jetty to serve the tramway.

    Construction of the new jetty commenced in early 1857, However, problems were shortly encounted as in May heavy gales demolished a good portion of the partially built structure and wrecked the pile-driving machine upon the beach to the east.

    In 1858, the Tramway Jetty was completed, situated only a few metres to the north of Thornton's Jetty, extending roughly 228 metres into the bay, and with a lifeboat shed and storage shed installed on deck.

    The jetty suffered from structural problems, as well as being perceived as inadequate by local residents. A contract was awarded for repairs and extensions in 1862, when the jetty was extended a further 40 metres. In 1871 further improvements were made, including the installation of a steam crane to facilitate loading and unloading.

    The Tramway Jetty ceased to be used during the 1890s. It was originally left in situ, but soon proved to be a hindrance and was thought to be contributing to siltation in Lady Bay. In 1909 the Public Works Department called tenders for its removal and by the following year it had been demolished.

    Interpretation of Site

    LADY BAY TRAMWAY AND TRAMWAY JETTY SITE - Interpretation of Site

    There are no visible remains of the Tramway Jetty or of the structures, such as the lifeboat shed, that were affixed to it. The bulk of the site is now covered with metres of sand that has accumulated over the area in the last 100 years since the building of the Breakwater. The jetty was demolished after the Breakwater was built in the 1880s.

    Where the tramway connected with the jetty there appears to have been a structure - possibly a shed to protect passengers and cargo from the weather. Another associated structure approximately 30 m to the north appears to have been largely demolished by the recent construction of the south western building of the Lady Bay Resort.

    The foundation of the tramway from where it connected to the jetty to where it is still visible north of Petrobe Road is buried under the carpark and road and has most likely been heavily impacted by these later works. The foundation of the tramway is mostly intact from Petrobe Rod to the railway corridor. Though the tracks are thought to have been removed, sections of rail and/or sleepers have been reported to appear in very hot weather. The remains of the bridge over the creek, in the vicinity of Prince Street, which connected Petrobe Lake with the Merri River may also be present. The tramway within the railway corridor would have been destroyed. Sections of the tramway may have survived north of the railway corridor in the vicinity of Merri and Gilles Streets

    Archaeological Significance

    LADY BAY TRAMWAY AND TRAMWAY JETTY SITE - Archaeological Significance

    The archaeological significance of the Tramway and Tramways Jetty lies in the material used and the manner of their construction. This could possibly provide information on the importance placed by the relevant authorities in providing durable or otherwise maritime infrastructure in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century before the Breakwater was constructed. The cultural deposits associated with the jetty could provide valuable information about its use and the trade that passed over it.

    It could be expected that the jetty pile stumps would be the only structural remains of the site. It is possible that after heavy seas some piles may be exposed on the beach and/or in the surf zone. Cultural deposits associated with the use of the jetty are most likely present.

    Historical Significance

    LADY BAY TRAMWAY AND TRAMWAY JETTY SITE - Historical Significance

    The Tramway and Tramways Jetty were constructed to accommodate the increasing trade passing through the port in the 1850s. It reflects the rise of Warrnambool as a regional centre during the middle years of the 19th century.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    LADY BAY TRAMWAY AND TRAMWAY JETTY SITE - Heritage Inventory Description

    The site is open parkland with walking trails and public beach. The seaward end of the jetty lies currently in the surf zone of Lady Bay Beach, Warrnambool. The alignment of the jetty continues west north west through reclaimed land, mounded in places and covered in grass and bush to where it meets the tramway alignment at a point approximately midway between the southern end of the Skate Park and the southwestern buildings of the Lady Bay Resort. This point forms the sourthern portion of a sealed car park at the main (western) entrance to the Resort. The alignment of the tramway swings northwards through the car park and the north west corner of the Lady Bay Resort. It crosses Petrobe Road and follows the eastern bank of the Merri River for approximately 500m.
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