Columns » History
The duels of Batman’s Hill
This sketch, drawn sometime after 1863 (according to the annotation), displays the western boundary of Melbourne during the 1830s. Perched on the hill, is a house that once was the home of John Batman, the city’s founder.
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Victoria Dock
In the early 1930s Victoria Dock was one of the biggest sites for trade and export in Melbourne. A constant queue of ships sailed in, unloaded their cargo, recharged and reloaded, then left for the next port.
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All aboard for Spencer Street
While hauling goods and passengers to and from the nearby wharves and the city, a single steam engine stops at Spencer Street Station (now Southern Cross Station) to smile for the camera.
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The city’s light source
As William St lies eerily quiet, a lone chimney stands far away from the throng of houses and Spencer Street Station.
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A Grand office
Now known as the Grand Hotel, more than a century ago the building at 67 Spencer St was not only shorter and considerably less grand, but also went under a different name and served a different purpose.
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Swamped for views
Once upon a time, the northern part of the Docklands was a lagoon surrounded by a marshy swamp.
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The arteries of Docklands
Before the construction of the Southern Cross Station’s wavy roof, Marvel Stadium or even the blocky 1960s building that dominated the west end of Spencer St, this 1950s photograph shows the heart and arteries of Docklands.
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Something fishy at Spencer Dock
By the early 20th century, several odours defined the dock areas.
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Ugly, but ferry reliable
While not the most stylish vessel with its boxy design, this ferry (photographed sometime before 1929) was vital in carrying various civilians and dock workers across the Yarra from Spencer St to South Melbourne for around 40 years.
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Council satisfied with new Waterfront City plans
Revival plan up in the air
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