Stop 5 Fisherman’s Wharf

Laing’s Way was one of the first shipyards to be established in the middle of Victoria Harbour, which was known as Major Bay at the time. During the 1850’s at the start of the gold rush, the shipyards constructed several steamers, the largest 110-foot ship built in the 1860s. The shipyard was active in building and repairing ships until 1897. Following this, the area became overgrown and a refuge for the first float homes.

In 1947, Major Bay was filled in to allow for the development of the Fisherman’s Wharf facility, which could accommodate up to 60 large fish-packing vessels. In 1948, the wharf was further expanded by adding a 390-foot-long float that ran parallel to the shore with six-finger floats perpendicular to the main float. Over time, the fishing fleet decreased, and the boats were replaced with float homes.

To improve navigation for ships entering the Harbour, dredging and blasting was undertaken. The removal of Dredger Rock in 1902 allowed larger ships access to the inner and middle Harbour. Soil removed from the dredging process was used to infill parts of the coastline for future development[i]. Today, the Fisherman’s wharf facility serves as a popular destination for tourists and locals, while the float homes provide unique options for residents.

[i] Pendergast, Denton. 2016. “Dredging the Harbour.” Victoria Harbour History. March 22, 2016. https://www.victoriaharbourhistory.com/transportation/sea-transportation/attractions/.

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