Coode Canal and Victoria Dock, Melbourne

The Coode Canal and Victoria Dock have been a vital part of the history and development of the Port of Melbourne and date back to the 1880s. They have both stood the test of time and can still be greatly appreciated by modern engineering standards.

By recognising these landmarks in Melbourne, Engineering Heritage Australia is acknowledging the contribution and great work of Sir John Coode and Joseph Brady and appreciate the mark these engineers have made on Melbourne’s history and landscape.

The Canal was originally 2000 metres long, 130 metres wide and 6 metres deep. The Coode Canal was first opened in 11th of August 1886 by Governor Henry Loch and in 1887 the first contracts for the Victoria Dock commenced. Even so today they are both continuously serviced and maintained, although Victoria Dock has ceased to be used for commercial shipping.

Coode Canal with Swanson Container Dock across the river in the background
Source: Owen Peake

Victoria Dock in recent times as a feature of major residential development in what is now called Docklands
Source: Owen Peake

Loading map...

{"minzoom":false,"maxzoom":false,"mappingservice":"leaflet","width":"100%","height":"350px","centre":false,"title":"","label":"","icon":"","lines":[],"polygons":[],"circles":[],"rectangles":[],"copycoords":false,"static":false,"zoom":12,"defzoom":14,"layers":["OpenStreetMap"],"image layers":[],"overlays":[],"resizable":false,"fullscreen":false,"scrollwheelzoom":true,"cluster":false,"clustermaxzoom":20,"clusterzoomonclick":true,"clustermaxradius":80,"clusterspiderfy":true,"geojson":"","clicktarget":"","imageLayers":[],"locations":[{"text":"","title":"","link":"","lat":-37.81903080959644,"lon":144.91874202767818,"icon":""}],"imageoverlays":null}

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM)
Award Date	August 2016
Heritage Significance	Coode Canal is the reach of the lower Yarra River in Melbourne which was excavated in 1886 as part of harbour improvements which were designed by Sir John Coode. It extends from near the mouth of the Victoria Dock (now spanned by the Bolte Bridge) to the confluence with the Maribyrnong River. The construction of Coode Canal also lead to Victoria Dock being built. This, itself, is significant due to how important a role Victoria Dock played in the prosperity of the Port of Melbourne as well as Melbourne as a whole. Currently, Coode Canal allows access to Swanson Dock which is Melbourne’s largest shipping container terminal. This makes Coode Canal a vital part of Melbourne’s economy both currently and historically.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Not Available.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	This is a virtual interpretation site.