Shipping and Immigration

Originally called Railway Pier, Station Pier opened in 1854 and was the primary entry point for most migrants to Melbourne. Port Melbourne has therefore long occupied a poignant place in the memory of many immigrants, representing their first landing in a new and often alien home. Many businesses and services grew around the Piers and surrounding areas to cater for new arrivals. Indeed much of the commercial activities in the Port area can be seen as a direct response to activities centred on the Piers. An institution central to the activity on the piers were the series of Mission to Seamen buildings in Port. These were places established by the Anglican Church to provide welfare and a social gathering space for all seafarers. The Swallow and Ariell Biscuit Factory, once the largest of its kind in the world, was established here to readily supply hard tack biscuits to the ships. While many saw Port as merely a gateway to pass through, many stayed and made the area their home, contributing to a rich and diverse multicultural identity. See the item ‘Arriving at Station Pier’ to hear some of these stories, or take the ‘Immigrants Trail’ tour.

by pastportproject