Archeologists have uncovered the remains of a 19th-century dock as contractors dig new tunnels to upgrade Melbourne’s sewer system.
The remains are thought to be part of Little Dock, which was built in 1854, but closed in 1930 when the nearby Spencer Street Bridge was built.
Crews from Greater Western Water have been upgrading the 130-year-old network of pipes around Siddeley Street in the Docklands precinct.
Located on the Yarra River, the bustling dock once served fishing boats and small trading vessels.
There are a few visible relics of the old docks remaining, although it’s still possible to see the decaying pilons from Rotten Row in nearby Port Melbourne.
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Archeologists are documenting historical artefacts before works continue to upgrade Melbourne’s sewer system.
(Greater Western Water)
Over the last three decades, the Docklands region has rapidly changed, and documenting its history in imporant to understanding the city.
In the 1990s, the docks were a hub of Melbourne’s underground rave scene, but over the last two decades, the precinct has become less active.
In 2026, the streets are windy, shaded by high-rise residential towers, and the waterfront is ordinarily quiet but for the odd jogger or fisherman.
Why the sewer upgrade is needed
Greater Western Water’s general manager of asset planning, Ian Burton, explained the works are part of a $160 million project to expand sewers in the CBD.
“Once complete, the new tunnelled sewer at Siddeley Street will run alongside the existing sewer network, which is nearly 130 years old, doubling its capacity,” he said in an email.
“As our city continues to grow, evolve and densify, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and future‑ready CBD, while respecting and preserving the significant history we are uncovering to do so.”
Today, the streets of Docklands are generally quiet, with people occasionally seen darting between the high-rise residential buildings.
(Getty)What’s been found during the construction works?
Over the last decade, there have been upgrades to sewers underneath Elizabeth Street, Lonsdale Street and Spencer Street.
The Siddeley Street works are the final stage, and they involve constructing 750 metres of new pipes.
The network will run from Spencer Street and Flinders Lane through to Wurundjeri Way, and then connect to the existing network.
Little Dock once served fishing vessels in Melbourne.
(Royal Historical Society Victoria)
Archeologists and Heritage Victoria are documenting the city’s history, in tandem with works by Saunders Aqua Metro, the construction company contracted by Greater Western Water.
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No one from Greater Western Water was available for an interview this week, so specific details of what’s been documented during the process are unclear.
But the company was able to confirm a large volume of cultural artefacts have been uncovered, including preserved timber up to eight metres in length, old bottles, ceramics and an old boot.
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