Worksheet 7.4 Docklands fieldwork
In a few short years the Docklands area
has changed from industrial wasteland
to vibrant, modern residential and
recreational hub. In this field work you
will discover for yourself how
Docklands has changed over the last
150 years and make up your own mind
about the degree of success of this
change.
Melbourne’s Docklands today
The route to follow is on the map on the
following page. The field trip begins at
Southern Cross Station and ends at
Docklands Park. Along the way you
will stop at 5 locations (numbered 1-5
on the map) and complete a number of
fieldwork tasks. In addition, you make
like to take photographs or to draw
sketches to include in your fieldwork
report.
Melbourne’s Docklands in the 19th century
Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia
Stop 1: Bourke Street Bridge
On this map of the Docklands, below, locate and label the following land uses that you can see from the
Bourke Street bridge.
Vacant land
New buildings that have retained original
use
Recreation
New buildings that have changed use
Old buildings that have retained their
original use
Other (provide labels)
Old buildings that have changed use
Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia
1
Where does there appear to be construction taking place in the Docklands area? Mark these areas onto your
map.
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2
The Southern Cross Railway Station has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Comment on
these changes, including whether or not you support this type of change.
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3
Before you is the Number 2 Railway Goods Shed, which is now a heritage-listed building. It will be
refurbished and then will be integrated into the Docklands development, rather than being knocked down
and the land put to other uses. The shed, according to the plans, will become a marketplace for fresh foods
and other goods. It will also include a large, international-style food hall. This building—about two city blocks
long— was constructed in 1889. The architecture reflects the opulence of the era, and the grand scale is in
line with the size and importance of the rail yard operations of the day. Read the plaques on the red post.
They provide some more historical background to the Docklands development.
a
Why do you think that this building has been heritage listed?
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b
Do you agree with heritage listing of such buildings? Give a reason for your answer.
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c
Do you think the No. 2 Railway Goods Shed should be turned into a marketplace? Give reasons for
your response.
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Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia
Stop 2: Etihad Stadium concourse
From this vantage point you can get a great overview of the Docklands area.
1
Comment on the number of people in the area. Does this appear to be a busy or a quiet place?
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2
Continue to shade in the map that you started at the first stop.
3
Below, draw a field sketch of this scene. You should use labels to point out important features such as New
Quay, Victoria Harbour, Central Pier, Bolte Bridge and Yarra’s Edge.
Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia
4
Record your initial observations about Central Pier. What does it look like? How is it being used at present?
How well does it ‘fit in’ with the land and water uses around it?
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Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia
Stop 3: Central Pier
Begin the Sea Dogs Tales & Maritime Yarns History Walk at the northern side of Shed 14, Central Pier
The Sea Dogs Tales & Maritime Yarns History Walk is a series of six billboards with text and images
along the sides of Shed 14, and a further six billboards along Shed 9. Each board tells a small part of the
history of Docklands area.
1
Who were the original inhabitants of the Docklands area?
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2
Why did John Batman decide to colonise the area?
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3
These boards outline an amazing history, not only of this specific area but of changes that took place around
the world. These docks have seen conflict, violence, globalisation, boom times and decay. Each of these
forces has changed the Docklands area in some way.
In the following table, list the changes described on the boards that have occurred in Melbourne or Australia
in the last 150 years in the left-hand column. In the right-hand column, describe the impacts of these
changes on the Docklands area.
Changes in Australia or Melbourne
over the last 150 year
Impacts of these changes
on the Docklands area
Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia
Stop 4: NAB headquarters
This building attracted immediate attention when it was built. While some observers commented on its
‘lego-block’ style of architecture, others commented on its adherence to ecologically sustainable
principles. This is one of the ‘healthiest buildings’ in Australia. It is designed primarily to increase the
productivity of the workers inside. The provision of abundant natural light, thermal comfort, reduction of
outside noise levels, provision of outdoor views, the use of low-emission paints and even the provision of
a small wetlands area at the front of the building are all designed to make the workers happier and thus
more productive.
1
Have a close look at the building and record those features that seem unusual to you. Sketch three of these
features and comment on why you believe these features have been included in this building.
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Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia
Stop Five Docklands Park
Docklands Park is a softer, greener area suitable for passive recreation. It is a major contemporary park
for Melbourne and includes large areas of grass and native trees, creating a space for relaxation, play and
outdoor events. Wetlands are a key landscaping feature of the park, and underground storages adjacent to
the wetlands enable around 80% of the park’s irrigation needs to be met by treated storm-water.
1
Describe this park.
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2
What evidence can you see that this park has been developed using strict ESD (ecologically sustainable
development) principles?
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3
Can you see or hear any wildlife in the park? If so, what kind of wildlife?
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4
How is the park being used? What facilities have been provided for users of the pPark?
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5
Do you see this park as an area that you would visit if you came to this area as a tourist? As a resident?
Provide reasons for your response.
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Oxford Big Ideas Geography Level 6 ISBN 978 0 19 556631 4 © Oxford University Press Australia