DROMANA Pier has been completely gutted, leaving only wooden piles in the water, as construction of a new, modern pier officially gets underway.
The 180-metre pier, originally built in the 1860s and reconstructed in the 1950s, has been closed to the public since October to allow for demolition of the old structure and the start of rebuilding.
Parks Victoria is overseeing the project having assigned Duratec Limited to undertake the works, following community input. The rebuild aims to create an accessible visitor experience while preserving the pier’s iconic coastal charm.
The new pier will feature solid timber decking, replacing the existing concrete, with seating along the pier offering panoramic views of the bay, Arthurs Seat, and surrounding Mornington Peninsula landscape.
Parks Victoria said the pier would meet contemporary accessibility and safety standards. Stairs leading down to the water would also allow for swimming access, while a fixed lower-level landing will continue to support boating, fishing, and other water-based activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
The design also takes environmental factors into account, with consideration of sea level rise, storm events, and wave climate to ensure the pier’s resilience for decades.
Dromana Association president Simon Brooks said, “We’re pleased they’re doing it and it’s ten years past its used-by date, close to 20 years past its design life so we’re happy it’s being built,” he said.
“Again, we are disappointed they didn’t take it into deep water or at least do a business case. They refused to do it.”
Brooks said the benefits of extended the pier into deeper water included allowing bigger vessels and ferries to dock, as well as recreational use and fishing.
During construction, the George A Bishop Reserve carpark will be closed to accommodate a site compound, with alternative parking available at Dromana Foreshore Reserve and along Point Nepean Rd.
The foreshore and beach area near the pier has been fenced off while pedestrian access to the foreshore remains available via a detour and a marine exclusion zone has been established to protect the public.
Visitors are encouraged to use nearby Rosebud and Rye Piers while the build is under way.
First published in the Mornington News – 16 December 2025