Even before WW1, Gayundah was of an outdated design and following the war she was of no further use to the Navy.
In 1921 Gayundah was sold by the Royal Australian Navy and converted to a sand and gravel barge. These extensive modifications substantially reducing the integrity of the ship as a historical relic, however she was given a new 'lease of life'. The alternative would have seen her scrapped or sunk as part of an artificial reef.
Instead, Gayundah continued to work. She became a familiar site on the Brisbane River in this inglorious role.
Few unknowing observers of the barge as she plied her new trade on the Brisbane River could have guessed at her previous incarnation.
The former Queensland Navy gunship Gayundah in her last floating role - that of a sand and gravel barge on the Brisbane River.
Photo courtesy John Oxley Library. Negative #17278. Copyright (c).
In this photograph the built up bow is clearly evident. The gutting of the centre section to facilitate the dredge has given new (and even less aesthetically appealing) lines to the old vessel. These lines are still obvious on the wreck today.