The first channel through the sandbar was started in 1853, providing less than 4 metres draught for ships. This channel was straightened out and dredged at a depth of 6 metres in the 1860's. In 1881 a new channel started that took 12 years to complete. It was named the Hopetoun Channel after Lord Hopetoun who opened it on December 20, 1893.
 
Early 1900's shipping traffic has increased and the existing piers in the city area were inadequate. As a result, new port developments were started in the North Geelong area.