Seafarers Bridge, South Wharf

"Seafarers Bridge" reflects rich maritime history.

Looking through the arches

This beautifully arched pedestrian bridge built at a cost of $15 million dollars opened to the public in January 2009, but remained unnamed until December 2009. (People just called it the "Big white bridge"!) Melbourne City Council invited Melbournians to suggest fitting names for the bridge - there were 539 submissions and from these the name "Seafarers Bridge" was chosen and approval was obtained from the State government to officially christen the bridge. (Remember the "good old days" when a person of note would cut a satin ribbon and smash a champagne bottle against it?)!

Acting Lord Mayor Susan Riley said “The name draws on the rich maritime history of the area and is a fitting connection to the nearby ‘Mission to Seafarers’ centre located at the bridge’s northern landing.”
This photo and the one above are facing north.

Facing north east

Chief executive of the Mission to Seafarers Andrea Fleming said she was delighted with the decision. Ms Fleming went on to say “Since 1857 seafarers have strolled the banks of the Yarra River whilst taking shore leave in the Port of Melbourne. We are thrilled with the naming of the bridge which contributes to the significance of the maritime precinct, the work of the Mission to Seafarers Victoria and the seafarers whom the organisation serves.”

Mission to Seafarers
The Mission to Seafarers is an international organisation which cares for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers of all nationalities and faiths. The Melbourne Mission, created in 1905, is a volunteer-managed facility providing a home away from home for approximately 12,000 seafarers visiting the Port of Melbourne annually. See Australian locations of the Mission.

Facing north west
The bridge crosses from near the newly constructed world-class Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, in the South Wharf precinct and forms a vital connection between the river-front and the city’s waterfront at Docklands. It is very popular with pedestrians and cyclists.


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Today's Quote: Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known ~ Winnie the Pooh