Historical information

This is a postcard c.1909 showing shipping at the Marlo Wharf. The largest vessel (with the funnel) is supposed to the 'Stormbird' which was an ocean-going vessel which traded between Marlo (the Snowy River) and Lakes Entrance, and Melbourne. From the 1880s-1916, Marlo which is at the mouth of the Snowy River, functioned as a small port for the district, and in particular, the township of Orbost which is upstream. Goods were transported up and down the river from the wharf by smaller boats and barges, and goods transhipped to the ocean-going boats.

Significance

This photograph is significant because is shows shipping at the Marlo Wharf.

Physical description

A b/w photograph of a group of 7 boats at a wooden wharf which leads from the land into water. The largest vessel has several masts and long funnel, other boats also have masts, while two in the foreground have covers over their decks. Two small row boats are on the shore to the right of the photograph. A group of possibly 4 people appear to be sitting on a flat-topped wagon or trolley which is on the deck of the wharf. There appears to be a tramway on the wharf. A small building with a door is located on the land end to the left of the photograph. In the background, behind the boats are sand hummocks and the ocean.