Walkers Limited - Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding

In 1884, the firm began work on 5 hopper barges for the Queensland Department of Harbours and Rivers. During construction the decision was taken to convert them to also serve as Auxiliary Gunboats, which made them the largest warships built in Australia before federation. During World War II, Walkers constructed two River class frigates, a Modified River (Bay) class frigate and seven Bathurst class corvettes including HMAS Maryborough, in addition to other smaller vessels. Post war naval contracts included eight Balikpapan class landing craft heavy and ten Attack class patrol boats. Walker's Maryborough shipyard closed in 1974.