1888 Major Works on the YarraMelbournes first Big Build. This photo around 1888 shows a very important and pivotal time for Melbournes growth. In 1879 the Flinders Street Tramway opened, thereby connecting Flinders Street and Spencer Street Stations. It is visible in the photo, running parallel with Flinders Street. This was a single line operating only during the night hours, carrying freight only. It was replaced by the Flinders Street viaduct in 1891. The Melbourne area has

then Altson's building with its small dome on the north-east corner of Collins Street

Produced by De Gruchy & Leigh in 1866

You can see the preparations for the new Queens Bridge on the right hand side

Henry and Edward

Patrick's Cathedral under construction in 1872

Contracts taken for every kind of public or private entertainments

looking east from Queen Street from the tower of Dr Fitzgerald's residence "Rostella" in Lonsdale Street West

Flinders Street runs diagonally across the image and separates the city from the open spaces of Jolimont

including the Royal Bank building with its beautiful columns

Notes from the State Library tell us that this image is a "View east along Flinders Street possibly from the area of Victoria Dock

with crowds gathered on either side

The highly recognisable City Family Hotel is at the far right of the photograph