ROSS CREEK 1906
HERITAGE TRAILS OF TOWNSVILLE As a natural barrier between South Townsville and the town centre, Ross Creek has also been the focus of maritime and social activity since it was first surveyed in 1864. Named after William Ross (1831-1887), a member of John Melton Black’s original settlement party responsible for establishing Townsville, the creek created a strong sense of community focus but also identified South Townsville as a separate entity. Residents of South Townsville developed a close relationship with water. The creek and mangroves were excellent for harvesting seafood. Popular pastimes included sailing, boating and swimming. Being able to swim or row boats at an early age was seen as integral in one’s social development in the area. For many years the opening of the sailing season was held in Ross Creek. Trips to Magnetic Island would not be possible without first boarding the ferry in Ross Creek. Initially the only way to access South Townsville was by ferry. The landing for Townsville’s first ferry service, the Penny Ferry, was adjacent to the Metropole Hotel. Other methods of accessing South Townsville proved more problematic – a bridge near the Metropole Hotel had to be demolished within a year of completion as it restricted shipping in the creek. The success of the Penny Ferry also attracted other ferries and boats to the creek. Victoria Bridge forded the creek permanently in 1889 and was the catalyst for further growth in the area.
REGATTA LAUNCH IN ROSS CREEK
VIEW OF ROSS CREEK AND SOUTH TOWNSVILLE 1914
TRAIL 3. >> SOUTH TOWNSVILLE & PORT Tells the story of the relationship between the industrial and the residential aspects of this working class suburb. From its earliest days, Ross Island, now known as South Townsville was a hub for industry and many men from the suburb worked at the port and in associated industries. The early architecture of the suburb reflects its social make-up whilst numerous pubs provided a snapshot of the daily social interaction between wharfies, seamen, meatworkers and railway workers.
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