Merthyr Road Ferry Terminal (former) remnant elements and Headwall & Outfall

The northern end of Merthyr Road contains evidence of major late 19th and early 20th century municipal works, including a former cross-river ferry service and drainage works.In 1888 plans were drawn up for main intercepting drains to service the Merthyr Road due to public health concerns. The porphyry river walls lining the ferry landing and surrounding the sewer outlet were probably built about 1913. Drainage works remaining include the porphyry river retaining wall incorporating steps and drain outfall as well as porphyry gully trap in kerb. By mid-1905 a cross-river ferry service was operating between Merthyr Road, New Farm and Hawthorne Street, Bulimba. In 1908 Balmoral Shire Council, which maintained the Merthyr Road facilities, organised for a large floating kiosk to be used as a temporary terminal. In 1913 it was replaced by the ‘Merthyr Road Ferry Depot’ which operated until the introduction of the CityCat service in 1996.