A proud history - Gill's Boatshed

The Original Golden City Paddle Steamer, designed by Mr Charles Brookes, built by Mr Thomas Gill and launched in 1885 was the only survivor of a proud fleet of steamers that cruised and worked the lake for a hundred years from the 1860's until the 1960's. The original Golden City remained in service on the Lake for 81 years.

1864	Gills boatshed was built on its present site on the shore of Lake Wendouree.
1865	The Gill's "Victoria" Paddle steamer was launched.
1875	The "Wendouree" Paddle Steamer was launched.
1885	The "Golden City" Paddle Steamer was launched.
1887	By this time Thomas Gill owned a fleet of paddle steamers on the lake named, "Ballarat", "Prince Consort", "Golden City", "Queen" and "Princess". It was said that the combined paddlesteamers could take a total of 690 passengers. The fare on the steamers from View Point to the Gardens was Adults 3d and Children 1d.
1911	Mr Thomas Gill passed away, but his business was carried on by his descendants, ultimately into the fourth generation trading as Gills Marine Pty Ltd, Boat Builders.
1946	The Gill family sold the "Golden City" to Messrs Roy McRae and J Mc Arthur and she continued to ply her trade on the lake for a further 20 years.
1966	She was then sold to Archie Spooner who considered her to be "a fine antique kept in perfect condition" - The "Golden City" was later transported by truck to work on the Carribean Gardens lake for a further 21 years.
1987	The Apex club of Ballarat recognised the unique and historic importance of the "Golden City Paddle Steamer" to Ballarat and after an inspection with Mr Chris Gill, grandson of the original Thomas Gill, the Club bought the steamer and returned her to her original home, Gill's Boatshed, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat.
1988	The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society was established by the Apex Club as a non profit community based organisation and and ownership of the vessel was transferred to the Society. With the assistance of the Ballarat City Council, the Society also acquired Gill's Boatshed, the home of the "Golden City" for so many years. Tom Gill, grandson of the original builder Thomas Gill, moved his business, Marine Supplies, to Talbot Street. Nephew Stephen Gill worked with Tom and took over the business after Tom retired. Harry (grandson of the original builder and brother to Tom and Chris) was well known as the captain of the "Golden City" for many years.
1995	The steamer was partially restored and resumed carrying passengers around the Lake. The Society then embarked on ten years of dedicated hard work. With the generous assistance of Ballarat businesses and much voluntary labour, "the boat-shed" became the "Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum". The Museum displays exhibits, artifacts, photographs and soundscapes evoking the period from the 1860's to the present.
1996	First "Great Paddle Steamer Chase" - 170 runners competed against the "Golden City" around the Lake.
1997	Gill's Restaurant, adjacent to the boat-shed was officially opened by the Hon. John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia. The Restaurant was built by H. Troon Pty. Ltd. and leased to them in an arrangement with the Paddle Steamer Society.
1998	The "Begonia Princess" a small motorised paddle boat was purchased by a private operator. The Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum was completed and opened for business. The Governor General of Australia, Sir William Dean, officially opened the Museum. Both the "Golden City" and the "Begonia Princess" became available for charter and weekend cruises and began doing a brisk trade.
1999	The 2nd "Great Paddle Steamer Race" - the mighty power of the paddles Vs the rippling muscles of the athletes. The "Golden City "(after a little cheating) won. The Museum was nominated as one of the four finalists in the Tourism and Local Events category of the "Business Awards" by the Chamber of Commerce. Carrying on the Gill family's historic association with the lake and its paddle steamers, Harry, grandson of Thomas Gill, from 1988 to his death in 1999 was a well known and much loved captain of the "Golden City Paddle Steamer."
2000	The Golden City paddle steamer was taken off the water by order of the Marine board for extensive restoration.
2001	Springfest - "Antique Fishing Tackle Exhibition' (with exhibits owned by Jim and Sue McCracken) on display which created much interest. Largest door takings so far at the Museum. The "Begonia Princess" sold to Greg Austin.
2002	During the Begonia Festival an "Antique Fishing Tackle Exhibition" is hosted at the Museum for three days.
2002 - 2006	Restoration work proceeds slowly with volunteers putting in many hours and almost completing the boat. Mr George Brookes, grandson of the original designer and a retired coach builder, plays a key role in guiding volunteers through the restoration work.
March 2006	In a shocking turn of events, only weeks from completion, the boat is completely destroyed by fire. The Society is overwhelmed by gestures of public support and begins planning to build a new "Golden City replica".
May 2006	Victorian State Government pledges $100,000, City of Ballarat $50,000 and Rotary Club of Ballarat South $15,000.
June 2006	A public appeal was launched to raise the final $135,000 required to build the new boat.
January 2010	Much of the work on the new boat has been completed. The hull is finished and the engine installed. The console (control cabinet) has been completed. Seats have been designed and built. Most of the remaining work concerns finishing and fittings.
September 2011	The deck has been fitted and is being caulked and finished. This is the last remaining major task before the boat can be returned to the water for final fitting out and trials.
May 7 2012	The new Golden City replica is launched and moved to Gill's Boat shed for work to continue.

Nov 7 2013	The Golden City replica was formally launched.

New Replica of Golden City Paddle Boat 2020