The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, has a fascinating history of shipwrecks along its rugged coastline. Due to its challenging conditions and treacherous reefs, many ships have met their demise in this area. At Walk91 we love to share our local knowledge of shipwreck stories with our walkers, so just get in touch and we will happily plan your walk along this historical trail.
Here are some notable shipwrecks that occurred along the Great Ocean Road:
- Loch Ard (1878): The Loch Ard shipwreck is one of the most famous and tragic incidents along the Great Ocean Road. The clipper ship Loch Ard ran aground near what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge. Of the 54 people on board, only two survivors, Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael, managed to reach the shore. The Loch Ard Gorge and nearby memorial pay tribute to this shipwreck.
- Schomberg (1855): The Schomberg, a large iron clipper ship, met its fate near Peterborough. It was on its way to Melbourne from England when it ran aground on a reef. The wreck site is located near Curdies Inlet, and remnants of the ship can still be seen at low tide.
- Falls of Halladale (1908): The Falls of Halladale, a fully rigged iron ship, sank off the coast of Warrnambool. It was caught in a storm and crashed into the rocks. The wreck site can be explored at low tide near Pickering Point.
- Fiji (1891): The Fiji, an iron steamship, encountered rough weather and struck a reef near Moonlight Head. The ship broke apart, and its remains are scattered along the coastline.
- Casino (1932): The Casino was a coastal steamer that sank near Apollo Bay. It hit a reef during a storm, resulting in the loss of four lives. The wreckage lies in relatively shallow waters, and parts of it can still be seen during low tide.
These are just a few examples of the many shipwrecks that have occurred along the Great Ocean Road. The area’s maritime history and the remnants of these shipwrecks contribute to the allure and intrigue of the coastal journey.
If we have inspired you to explore this magnificent coastline just get in touch. We can custom-make a walk from 3 Days to 7 Days…. or more! Just let us know how many days walk you are looking for and we will find the perfect walk for you.