In September 1907 W. Lund & Sons placed an order with Barclay, Curle & Co. of Glasgow for a new cargo and passenger vessel to be delivered within 12 months that was specially designed for their Blue Anchor Line trade between United Kingdom and Australia. The owners wanted the ship to be an improved version of their existing steamer and therefore most specifications were based upon those of "Geelong". The vessel was laid down at Barclay, Curle & Co's Clydeholm Yard in Whiteinch and launched on 12 September 1908 (yard number 472), with Mrs J. W. Taverner, wife of the Agent-General of Victoria, being the sponsor.