Historic Wharf Remnants Damaged by Fire and Vandalism
An “important” Australian heritage site, the remnants of a 137-year-old wooden wharf structure known as Rotten Row, has suffered damage from fire. Scorch marks are clearly visible on the remaining pylons, a stark reminder of the incident. Locals are pointing to individuals attempting to keep warm at night as the likely culprits, suggesting they may have been unaware of the historical significance of the site.
This stretch of the Yarra River’s waterfront in Port Melbourne has increasingly become a focal point for antisocial behaviour, including the lighting of illegal fires. The City of Melbourne, which now manages the adjacent Westgate Park, has acknowledged this ongoing issue. Over the years, this historically significant waterfront area has unfortunately fallen into a state of disrepair. During a recent visit to Rotten Row, several prominent burn marks were evident on the pylons, and both the pylons themselves and a sign detailing the site’s importance had been defaced with graffiti. Having taken over management of the park from Parks Victoria in January, the City of Melbourne is currently implementing measures to enhance security and ensure the safety of visitors.
A Hidden Gem Beneath a Busy Artery
Despite its proximity to a major transport link – the West Gate Bridge, just 800 metres away, which historically served as Australia’s busiest road artery connecting Melbourne with its western suburbs – the heritage site’s existence remains largely unknown to the thousands who travel over it daily.
Josh Vernon, a local resident, was one of the first to discover the recent damage. He suspects the fires occurred within the last month. Vernon highlighted that the area at the base of the bridge is often “out of sight, out of mind,” which may explain why no one else seems to have reported the damage. “It’s significant that it’s being burnt and vandalised and effectively used as firewood,” he commented.
How the Damage Was Uncovered
During daylight hours, the wider area serves as a lunch spot for workers, and the adjacent banks of the Yarra River are a popular destination for anglers. Vernon frequently visits Rotten Row as he volunteers as a wildlife rescuer, assisting birds on the river that have become entangled in fishing line or injured by hooks. He had previously observed logs from the park being gathered and used for campfires, fires large enough to be visible from the West Gate Bridge above.
“Not only has this been environmentally detrimental, I think it’s abysmal that the heritage site has been damaged now, too,” he stated.
The Rich History of Rotten Row
Rotten Row, situated on the Yarra River, was once a substantial wharf structure, stretching an impressive 335 metres in length and featuring six jetties. Established in 1889, its original purpose was for the stockpiling and distribution of timber. However, over time, the structure began to decline.
Glen Cosham, vice-president of the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society, explained that in the ensuing years, the wharf became a “bit of a graveyard” for moored, decaying ships. This is precisely how Rotten Row earned its name. The majority of the original structure was dismantled between the 1960s and 1970s, leaving behind only a small cluster of the original timber pylons.
Cosham is aware of reports concerning damage to the site. He noted that its isolated location makes it challenging to protect. “It is a downright shame that it has been vandalised and burnt,” he expressed. “Even though it’s just a tiny remnant, it’s still important.”
Rotten Row is officially recognised by Heritage Victoria and is listed on its inventory of archaeological sites. A spokesperson for the agency confirmed last week that while they were not previously aware of the damage, they would be conducting an assessment.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for greater awareness and protection of Australia’s valuable heritage sites, even those located in less conspicuous areas.
