The Bermuda triangle hides more than 300 identified wrecks. It has become a virtual time capsule preserving historic wrecks in the Atlantic that are hundreds of years old. However, the Victorian coast harbours 776 known shipwrecks, although only around 240 of them have been discovered.
The Shipwreck Coast in particular is home to a dense population of wrecks. The best known of them all is the wreck of the Loch Ard and the story of survival surrounding it. The ship ran into a rocky reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island and only two people survived – an apprentice, Tom Pearce and a Eva Carmichael who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Dressed in her night gown, Eva was thrown into the water as the ship grounded. Unable to swim and totally exhausted, she was found drifting into Loch Ard Gorge on some wreckage by Pierce who had already been washed into it on an upturned life raft. Pierce swam out to her, brought her to the bay's beach and climbed the cliff to get help.
Not all the shipwrecks off the Victorian coast lie at the bottom of the ocean, a handful can be admired while still keeping your feet dry.
In Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, the weathered hull of the Trinculo lays embedded in the sands of 90 Mile Beach. The vessel was struck by strong winds in 1879 off Wilsons Promontory and forced on to a sandbar.
Enjoy magnificent views of the coast as you follow the path to view the remains of the SS Saros in Croajingolong National Park. The ship ran ashore during heavy fog on its way to Sydney in 1937 and can be found Point Hicks Lightstation, where the walk begins, also tells the story of Victoria’s rich history.
Discover the anchors of the Marie Gabrielle and the Fiji at Wreck Beach in the Great Otway National Park, both haunting reminders of the treacherous nature of the sea. The Fiji was driven onto the rocks after the wind suddenly changed and Marie Gabrielle was swamped and smashed on the beach.
The HMVS Cerberus, a decommissioned Australian naval vessel lays sunken at Half Moon Bay - its conning tower poking out of the calm waters. On the other side of the bay, the HMAS Canberra has helped form Victoria's first artificial reef designed for the sole purpose of diving.
I hope this short spiel has inspire you to get out and explore our beautiful state and learn about Victoria’s spectacular shipwrecks.
