Searching for shipwrecks along the Gippsland coastline
The Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia offers a beautiful coastline with a mix of sandy shores, rocky cliffs, quaint towns, delicious regional produce and a chance to search for the remains of shipwrecks. Searching for shipwrecks in Gippsland can be as simple as walking along the beach, or may require scrambling over rocks or down slippery tracks.
Your effort will be rewarded with quiet beaches, beautiful coastlines and a sense of adventure while exploring the regions history.
Access to all shipwrecks in this post is FREE as they are on public beaches
Published 29.11.2020. Any post on this site may contain affiliate links which could result in Many Journeys Blog receiving a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Where is Gippsland?
The Gippsland coastline extends from Phillip Island to the New South Wales border so it’s no surprise there is a long list of shipwrecks on this stretch of water. Whilst most of the shipwrecks are in a watery grave, there are some available for viewing on the shoreline.
EXPLORE | The region of Gippsland has an endless supply of outdoor adventures. Explore all the Gippsland posts on the destination page to help plan your journey.
Trinculo – 90 Mile Beach
Built | 1858
Year shipwrecked | May 1879
Boat details | Iron barque
Location | Situated between the towns of Golden Beach (4km) and Seaspray (20km). There is a signed carpark but no other facilities nearby.
Access | Follow the track from the carpark and the wreck will be visible on the beach.
Remains | At low tide a good portion of the wreck is available to view with the rusty colour a beautiful contrast against the clean sand.
Further information | There is a dedicated blog post here, and official information on the Victorian Heritage Database.
Amazon – Inverloch Surf Beach
Built | 1855
Year shipwrecked | 15 December 1863
Boat details | Wooden international trading vessel
Access | From the surf lifesaving carpark head to the beach and turn right. The wreck isn’t too far and there is a creek nearby. If you get to the section of beach that is close to the road you have gone too far!
Remains | Due to the wreck being quite low in height the visibility can be reduced if sands have been deposited. Remains are generally visible at low tide as shown in the images below. Occasionally rough conditions have caused the wave action to strip away the sand and expose more of the wreck.
Further information | The Amazon is well loved with information on the Inverloch History website and also on the Amazon 1863 Project website which aims to preserve the Amazon artefacts. Information is also on the Victorian Heritage Database.
SS Speke – Phillip Island
Built | 1891
Year shipwrecked | 1906
Boat details | Full rigged ship constructed of composite materials –the ‘second largest ship-rigged sailing vessel ever built’
Access | From Kitty Miller Bay on Phillip Island head to the left and take the track over the cliff to the next bay. This access track is steep and slippery so caution is needed for the 2km return walk. Alternatively walk around on the rocky shore at low tide but be aware that the rocks are unstable and not easy to walk along. Don’t attempt to walk around if the tide is coming in as you will have limited options for escape with the cliff on one side, and the ocean on the other.
Remains | Of the shipwrecks I have visited in Gippsland this definitely has the ‘wow’ factor. The view of the crumbled wreck on the rocks as you come over the cliff is impressive. Scanning the eyes further reveals views of the rugged coastline including Pyramid Rock. Then as you get closer and see the detail that has stood the test of time, and find smaller pieces scattered around the rocks you get a strong sense of adventure!
Further information | Victorian Heritage Database and Visit Bass Coast websites.
Don’t feel like searching for shipwrecks in Gippsland? Well, visit these beaches anyway because they are all stunning!
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