during the 1850s the twin settlements of formby and torquay were established on opposite banks at the mouth of the mersey river. torquay on the eastern shore was the larger community with police, post, magistrate, at least three hotels, shipyards and stores. a river ferry service connected the two communities. between 1870 and 1880 the shipping industry grew and work was undertaken to deepen the mouth of the river. when the mouth of the river could support a shipping industry the first regular steamer services commenced, operating directly between the mersey and melbourne.