The need for a sand barrier along the coastal path at Sandridge inspired a novel use for salvaged pier timbers. As the first port of the colony of Victoria, and for many years its passenger ship port, the suburb of Port Melbourne has seen the construction and demise of many timber piers.

The low timber sand drift wall made from the salvaged hardwood timbers was inscribed with the names of five historic Port Melbourne piers, along with the names of the piers’ builders and the species of timber used in their construction.

The interpretation project was devised by Andrew Brophy of the City of Port Phillip, with graphic design by Dianna Wells Design.