Flinders Pier Project

Project status

June 2026:

The Victorian Government invested $1.53 million in funding to deliver critical safety repairs at Flinders Pier.
Work to rebuild some of Flinders Pier’s inner timber section is now complete and this portion, as well as the full 327m length of Flinders Pier, is now open to the community.
The timber inner section was more deteriorated than a previous inspection report indicated, which is why we have needed to rebuild some of this section, rather than repair it.
Additional repairs to stabilise the pier’s inner lower landings have also been completed. These have restored berthing access for aquaculture users and the sea pilots on the northern inner landing and allowed berthing to continue on the southern inner landing.
Two tender ladders have been reinstated along the rebuilt portion of the pier and balustrade has been installed along the edge of the concrete pier to help keep visitors and users safe.
These works also mean swimmers, snorkellers and divers can now enjoy observing the significant sea life that lies underneath the full length of Flinders Pier.
Rebuilding the full length of the pier is not within the project’s scope and budget so we worked with engineers to find the best alternative.

A timeline of key events for the Flinders Pier project between 2022 and 2026. There are tick icons above each event.

Background

In 2010-2011, Parks Victoria completed significant redevelopment work at Flinders Pier. This included constructing a new 3.2-metre-wide concrete pier adjacent to the timber pier, increasing the pier’s load capacity and improving separation between authorised vehicles and pedestrians.

During this time, the first 180 metres of the 327-metre-long Flinders Pier were reconstructed. The reconstructed section was built from concrete, and the existing timber section was retained as it still had some service life. Leaving it in place also reduced the construction impact on marine plants and animals while growth recolonised on the new steel piles.

Over the past few years, engineering assessments have revealed that the pier's timber approach section (the first 180 metres) has reached the end of its service life. The timber has deteriorated so that visitor access is no longer safe. For public safety, this timber section is now closed.

In October 2022, the Heritage Council of Victoria determined that the Flinders Telegraph Cable Complex and Pier precinct is of State-level cultural heritage significance and added it to the Victorian Heritage Register.

The pier is also ideal for observing and studying Victoria’s marine emblem, the weedy seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus.

The repairs to the pier posed minimal risks and disturbance to the site's historical and marine significance.

The Victorian Government, under the 2022-23 State Budget, has committed funding that to plan safety works at Flinders Pier.

Work to repair Flinders Pier began late last year.

The full 327-metre length of Flinders Pier remains open to the community.

The rebuilt portion of the pier's inner timber section is now open.

Pictured above: the rebuilt portion of the pier's inner timber section is now open.

A close-up image of the damaged timber on the Flinders Pier.

Pictured above: a close-up image of the damaged timber inner section at Flinders Pier before it was removed.

Project funding

In the 2022-23 Victorian State Budget $1.53 million funding was allocated for critical safety works to be undertaken at Flinders Pier.

Project partner

Department of Transport and Planning
Local user and interest groups

Flinders Jetty

Pictured above: old image of Flinders Pier.

Stay up to date

For project updates, please subscribe to the Flinders Pier project mailing list.

For general enquiries email info@parks.vic.gov.au or you can call us on 13 1963.

Related Information

Pictured above: Smooth Stingray

Pictured above: Diver under Flinders Pier

Images supplied by CEE Pty Ltd.

FAQs

When will the full timber inner section of the Flinders Pier be rebuilt?

In the 2022-23 Victorian State Budget $1.53 million funding was allocated for critical safety works to be undertaken at Flinders Pier. The timber inner section of Flinders Pier was more deteriorated than a previous inspection report indicated, which means this section needs to be rebuilt rather than repaired. This was not within the project scope and budget and we worked with engineers to find the best alternative.
Why was the timber inner section of Flinders Pier deemed unsafe?

The inner section of the timber pier was closed in April 2020 for safety reasons due to the deterioration of the piles and deck. This section had slumped and had been assessed as unsafe for pedestrian and vehicle access with a significant risk of structural failure. In 2022, following a subsequent engineering inspection, an additional section was closed for safety.
Is Flinders Pier heritage listed?

Yes, in October 2022 a determination from the Heritage Council of Victoria found that Flinders Telegraph Cable Complex and Pier are of cultural heritage significance to the State of Victoria and these assets have been now added to the Victorian Heritage Register.

The Victorian Government made significant investments in piers and jetties, including the $18 million in 2022-23, and is implementing a fair and sustainable approach to future investment in the local port assets via the Sustainable Local Ports Framework.
How will Parks Victoria manage the pier now it is on the Heritage Register?

The pier will continue to be inspected and maintained as part of Parks Victoria's asset management responsibilities.

Minor works and maintenance which replaces like-for-like can usually be undertaken without the need for permits. Permits may be required to undertake major repairs.
Can I still access Flinders Pier?

The full 327-metre length of Flinders Pier remains open to the community. Authorised vehicles can access the concrete pier head. The outer section of the timber pier and a portion of the timber inner section are accessible to pedestrians.