Summary

Black and white image of the Great Flood in the Yarra River. View from Princes Bridge looking south along the causeway which was impassable from the 15 to 22 December 1863 due to being covered with a raging torrent five feet deep. Photographer unknown.

Melbourne suffered a number of floods in its first 50 years and one of the best remembered was in December 1863 when five inches of rain fell over approximately three days. The storm was largely due to the influence of a south westerly gale banking up the tide and hindering the outflow of water from the Yarra River.

The flooding caused destruction in Collingwood and Hawthorn, part of Toorak Road was under nine to ten feet of water. Punt Road, Richmond and Cremorne presented a lamentable sight, the Zoological Gardens were entirely submerged, water flowed through city streets and the Yarra River in parts was said to be 50 feet above its average summer level. The river had already been diverted in part from its original line through Melbourne but as the huge volume of water moved south it broke through levy banks to follow the original route.

Timber houses meant to be flood proof after earlier similar experiences broke up and floated away along with furniture, bedding, clothing and other household possessions that could be easily identified in the muddy waters. Logs floated out of timber yards and children were being continually rescued from either the water or partially submerged buildings. Boats were used to move around where boats normally wouldn't go, and Spencer Street station broadened its service to patrons by providing a boat mooring.

Agricultural produce on the wharves was destroyed and the surrounding Emerald Hill and St Kilda areas were submerged. It was estimated between 20,000 and 30,000 bags of salt, sugar and tea etc held in city warehouses had been damaged and market gardens were ruined. Up to three lives were lost.

The rain commenced on the evening of Sunday 13 December 1863 and as the water began to subside by the following Saturday, the organisation of flood relief committees was the order of the day across Melbourne.

Princes Bridge was a vital link in Melbourne between the two sides of the Yarra River and there was much concern for how well the bluestone and granite structure would survive the continuous battering from debris floating down the river, including a house. While it survived the tempest, it was losing the battle in coping effectively with Melbourne's growing population and rebuilding to enlarge the bridge began in 1886, completed in 1888.

This glass lantern slide is one of many forming the A.J. Campbell Collection held by Museums Victoria.

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Great flood in the Yarra

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