Famous explorer Matthew Flinders expressed fear towards the Shipwreck Coast, describing it as one of the most treacherous sections of coastline he had encountered. The waters along this stretch of coastline are home to approximately 700 shipwrecks, with 240 of them having been identified.
The Shipwreck Coast is a 130-kilometre stretch of coastline along the Great Ocean Road tour, spanning from Port Fairy to Cape Otway. This area is renowned for its famous 12 Apostles. It has a history of numerous shipwrecks due to the treacherous waters of the Southern Ocean, which were once vital for trade and transportation. Consequently, it earned the aptly named title, the Shipwreck Coast.
Where can shipwrecks be seen?
Wreck Beach
On the reef of Wreck Beach, there are two permanent reminders of the danger of the Southern Ocean’s treacherous waters. These anchors, one from Marie Gabrielle (1869) and another from Fiji (1891) can be accessed during low tide by descending 350 steps. The wreck of Fiji lies six meters underwater and is open for exploration through diving.
SS Casino
The SS Casino sunk in 1932 while trying to dock in stormy weather, approximately 400 meters off the shore of Apollo Bay. It now rests about nine meters below the surface and can be accessed by diving.
Loch Ard
The Loch Ard is a well-known wreck in the area. It became famous when Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, two survivors, washed ashore on a nearby beach. This beach, now called Loch Ard Gorge, is close to the 12 Apostles. You can hire a boat from Port Campbell to dive and explore the Loch Ard.
The famous shipwreck on the coast
The Shipwreck Coast is filled with numerous shipwrecked relics, which can be observed while exploring the coastline on the Great Ocean Walk. Many of these wrecks have intriguing stories, but one question often arises: which wreck is the most renowned? It is widely acknowledged that the Loch Ard is the most famous shipwreck on the Shipwreck Coast, located just beyond the 12 Apostles.
The Loch Ard was a clipper that left England on March 1, 1878. It was headed for Melbourne with 37 crew members, 17 passengers, and various cargo. The ship encountered bad weather and sailed through a dense fog, limiting visibility. Additionally, there were issues with faulty chronometers. Due to the inability to see the Cape Otway Lighthouse, the ship strayed too close to the coastline. Unfortunately, by the time the fog cleared, it was too late. The Loch Ard hit a reef and sank just 15 minutes later.
Only two of the 54 individuals on the ship managed to survive. One passenger, Eva Carmichael, could hold onto a spar for five hours. Additionally, a cabin boy named Thomas Pearce managed to cling to the overturned hull of a lifeboat and eventually reached the shore. He heard Eva’s cries for help from the beach and swam back out to aid her.
Several luxury items from the Loch Ard were recovered, including a grand piano found in the Gorge and a porcelain peacock currently exhibited in the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool.
This is more than just a hike
Exploring the Shipwreck Coast via the Great Ocean Walk offers more than a hike. You can enjoy various attractions along the route, including stunning landscapes like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge Arch. Additionally, there are museums, discovery centers, and galleries in the towns you pass through. One notable museum is the Apollo Bay Museum, which showcases washed-up treasures from local shipwrecks.
There are also several beautiful beaches to enjoy as you continue westward, providing an excellent opportunity for rest. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, just in case.
A Year-Round Adventure
The Shipwreck Coast is open year-round, offering various events and festivals throughout the year that may align with your interests, allowing you to plan your Great Ocean walk accordingly.
The Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is an annual event at the harbour in February. It features live music, freshly cooked fish from the fishing boats, and informative presentations about the health of our oceans and community involvement. Additionally, visitors can see the Seabin, the first installation on the Shipwreck Coast.
The Winter Wild festival takes place in Apollo Bay during the winter, featuring outdoor performances on the foreshore, food events, storytelling, and music. This festival is worth considering if you’re looking for a unique experience.
The Port Fairy Folk Festival, also known as the Folkie, occurs in March and draws individuals from various countries to delight in its music, parades, and street fairs. The Koroit Irish Festival and the May Racing Carnival occur in May, followed by the Rhapsody in June festival. Moreover, numerous other events occur throughout the year along the coast.
Flora and Fauna
The Shipwreck Coast is known for its rocky terrain and attracts a variety of wildlife, including Southern Right Whales, fur seals, penguins, and numerous bird species. From June to September, visitors can visit the Warrnambool whale nursery, observe southern right whale mothers with their calves, and witness their migration from colder waters along the Great Ocean Walk.
While exploring Great Otway National Park, visitors can observe Australia’s unique and diverse flora and fauna. We can provide information about Great Ocean Walk’s wildlife if you are interested.
Campsites and hotels line the Shipwreck Coast
When it comes to camping and accommodation along the Shipwreck Coast, there are enjoyable options available.
The Shipwreck Coast, located more than three hours west of Melbourne, attracts many tourists who often stay for one or several nights. Due to the high volume of tourists, numerous accommodation and camping options are available, ranging from camping in a national park to luxurious oceanfront villas.
Cape Otway is located on the eastern point of the Shipwreck Coast, offering a range of accommodations, including camping and booked Great Ocean Walk tours. Surrounding Cape Otway are various hiking trails and campsites, including some that require reservations through the Park Vic website.
Various campgrounds are available in the Great Otway National Park, including smaller ones like Johanna Beach and larger ones like the ones in the forest. However, for those seeking more comfortable accommodation and didn’t bring tents or a camper van, it would be advisable to travel further west and exit the forest.
Princetown offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, including the 12 Apostles Inn and the Apostles Camping Park & Cabins. For a unique camping experience near kangaroos and the crashing ocean, visit the Princetown Recreation Reserve. This peaceful area offers numerous activities, such as wetland exploration and a walk to the 12 Apostles.
Port Campbell is a famous small tourist town located along the coast. It is known for its beautiful attractions and is frequently visited by families and international tourists. Its proximity to Port Campbell National Park adds to its busyness.
For those seeking a larger town or small city, options include Warrnambool, the largest city in the area, or Port Fairy. Both are conveniently located near numerous incredible natural sights, beaches, and the Shipwreck Coast.
Explore these must-visit spots on the Shipwreck Coast
- Visitors can descend the Gibson Steps, a staircase carved into the cliffs, to gain a unique perspective of the Twelve Apostles from sea level and appreciate their remarkable beauty.
- Visit Timboon for a unique experience at the Schulz family’s organic cheese farm, known for its local, creamy cheeses. With a rich cheese-making tradition spanning four generations, you can enjoy a country-style lunch surrounded by beautiful scenery while sampling cheese and wine.
- Peterborough offers a golf course with a scenic view atop a cliff, allowing players to appreciate the beautiful coastal scenery while playing.
- To learn about 19th-century port life, visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. The village offers an interactive historical display with a wealth of information, documents, and images.
- Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk in the state game reserve at Tower Hill and experience the rejuvenating sea breeze. The reserve has undergone restoration efforts, with the assistance of a von Guerard painting, to preserve its historical beauty.
- If you’re interested, consider taking the Great Ocean Road Walk. It offers more than 104 kilometers of walking tracks from Apollo Bay to the 12 Apostles, allowing one to observe the surf, sand, and nature all in one experience.
- The Cape Otway Lighthouse, the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Australian mainland, is known as the ‘Beacon of Hope’. It earned this nickname due to its significant role in guiding ships along the hazardous Shipwreck Coast.
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