Rye Pier Reconstruction
Project status
- The Rye Pier is now open for the community to visit.
- The two-stage pier reconstruction project is complete.
Above - the reconstructed Rye Pier is now open, June 2024 Credit: SPN
The Project
In 2022, the Rye Pier approach was completely reconstructed to make it safe, more durable and improve accessibility.
These works were funded by the Victorian Government under the $24 million Piers and Jetties stimulus package.
During 2023 and in early 2024, the outer pier was rebuilt and upgraded as part of the $18 million package for piers and jetties across Victoria from the State Budget 2022-23.
The fully reconstructed pier provided improves recreational space for more people to enjoy. Its undated the L-shaped head is a large and functional community space, as well as enhancing access for people fishing and walking at Rye Beach.
Features of Rye Pier:
- an updated, L-shaped pier head with adjoining shaped low landing, retaining the connection to the historical elements of the piers's heritage
- a wider timber deck and seating
- interpretative signage trail, exploring the wonders of the marine life below
- solar public lighting to ensure safe pedestrian access
- an accessible lower landing providing connection to the water for swimming, diving and recreational boating
- a pier viewing platform which provides space for maintenance vehicles to turn safely
- space for fishing, boating and pedestrians
Above - Rye Pier at night, works completed June 2024
Above - a brand-new signage trail has been installed on the Rye Pier named 'Peer Below'
Above - an accessible interpretative signage trail, exploring the wonders of the marine life below
Above - Rye Pier is rich in marine life such as the colourful Nudibranchs
Project partner and funding
In 2022, the Rye Pier approach was completely reconstructed. These works were funded by the Victorian Government under the $24 million Piers and Jetties economic stimulus package to make it safe, more durable and improve accessibility.
During 2023 and in early 2024, the outer pier has been rebuilt and upgraded as part of an $18 million package for piers and jetties across Victoria from the Victorian Budget 2022-23.
Project stages and timing
Stage 1 works - Rye Pier Approach Reconstruction
- Planning and design – Complete
- Tender for construction – Complete
- Work commences – early February 2022 - Complete
- Work completed - December 2022 - Complete
Stage 2 works - Rye Pier Head and Outer Pier Reconstruction
- Award the tender for construction - February 2023 - Complete
- Preparation for start of works - Early 2023 - Complete
- Work commences - April 2023 - Complete
- Pier reopens for summer - December 2023 - February 2024 - Complete
- Final works completed - June 2024 - Complete
Timing is estimated and may be subject to change.
Other information
Parks Victoria is the local port manager for Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell. The three local ports combined receive approximately 30 million visits a year, and include 263,000 hectares of waterway, marine protected areas, channels, piers and jetties, moorings and aids to navigation.Stay up to date
- For regular project updates, please subscribe to the Rye Pier mailing list.
- For general enquiries email info@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963.
Related information
- Media Release June 2023
- Rye Pier Community Update May 2022
- Rye Pier Community Update October 2022
- Rye Pier Community Update December 2022
- Rye Pier Community Update April 2023
- Rye Pier Reconstruction video September 2023
- Rye Pier Community Update December 2023
Places to see – Rye Pier
Rye Foreshore - Rye Township Plan | Shape our Future
Frequently asked questions
Is the entire pier being rebuilt or just the pier approach?
In 2022, stage one of the project has delivered a rebuilt pier approach but further works are planned. In 2023 and early in 2024, stage two works now complete the reconstruction of the outer pier and pier head and additional berthing
Stage 2 works has delivered
Parks Victoria’s reconstruction works to the pier has delivered:
- Removing the existing outer pier and pier head
- Rebuilding 125 metres of the outer pier approach and pier head from hardwood timber.
- An elevated and strengthened pier head
- Two additional low landings for more berthing capacity, connected via ramps
- Buffer piles
- Handrails and solar lighting for safety
How is Parks Victoria considering the marine life under and around the Rye Pier during the works?
Protecting the marine life of the area is critical to the project. In the planning phase, Parks Victoria commissioned an independent ecological study which recommended methods to retain the pier's ecological value as a dive and marine natural history site. Responding to the recommendations, Parks Victoria has retained a selection of the redundant piles between the 200 to 270 metre section of pier where there are highest ecological values, as part of stage one works. In stage two, a similar method of protecting marine values and life will be undertaken where safe to do so.
Will the project include any interpretative signage?
As part of the project, a brand-new signage trail has been installed on the pier to celebrate our connection with marine species living in this special Port Philip location. The trail will bring to life the underwater world beneath the pier and help visitors understand why native marine life needs to be protected. In addition, we’re protecting marine values by retaining several timber piles from the old pier as habitat for diverse species including tube worms, molluscs and seahorses.
Can the public snorkel or scuba dive under the pier?
With works complete on the pier, access beneath the pier is safe for diving and snorkelling.
What impact will the works have on the heritage values of the area?
Parks Victoria values the heritage character of timber piers like Rye Pier and their importance to the community. While Rye Pier is not heritage-listed, adopting an all-timber reconstruction methodology, including for the piles, crossheads, beams, decking and capping, will retain a maritime heritage character of the pier. The brick colour of the new hardwood timber will rapidly silver off to a natural looking, beachside material.
How are these works being considered as part of the overall Rye foreshore redevelopment?
Parks Victoria is working with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to ensure the on-water improvements complement and integrate with the Rye Foreshore redevelopment currently being planned. As part of this collaborative effort, Parks Victoria donated a significant amount of pier timber salvaged during the project. Complementing Council’s Rye foreshore redevelopment, salvaged pier timbers will be incorporated in landscaping elements providing a connection to the past and further enhancing the visitor experience.
Will the raised height of the pier still be DDA accessible compliant?
Yes. A ramp has been constructed where the pier entrance meets the foreshore, and another installed at the end of the rebuilt section before the low landing to connect with the existing lower pier head and low landing. The two ramps will ensure continued all-abilities access to the varying levels of the pier.