Yarra Southbank, C.1950
Each spring, from 1904 until after World War II, visitors from across Victoria, Australia and overseas would flock to the Yarra River to watch the annual Henley-on-Yarra regatta.
Lining the banks of the river were elaborately decorated, temporary “houseboats”, which were built on pontoons to accommodate spectators. After the races, a sea of brightly decorated rivercraft would take to the river as the crowds took their turn in the water.
Over time, the Henley-on-Yarra became as much about fashion as it did about the race, offering racegoers the opportunity to display the year’s new spring fashions.
In this photograph from the archives, Elaine McMaster shows off the petal pink organdie frock she would later wear at the day’s races.