Jack’s Magazine

Jack's Magazine (also known as the Saltwater River Gunpowder Magazine) is a located on the Maribyrnong River at Footscray, Victoria. It was constructed in 1871, to provide safe storage for bonded gunpowder and explosives imported into the colony of Victoria. The twin bluestone vaulted buildings are concealed behind high earth mound blast walls, and a tall brick fence, with a canal connecting it to the river. It was designed by government architect, designed by William Wardell, Inspector General, Public Works Department and built by contractor George Cornwell.



It is registered by the National Trust, and listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and Register of the National Estate. The associated Footscray Ammunition Factory was mostly demolished and redeveloped for the Delfin Lend Lease Corporation's Edgewater estate. Jack's Magazine was proposed to be redeveloped for a commercial use, but following several calls for expressions of interests it was decided that public ownership was the only practical management for the historic site.