Shipwrecks
Picture: Maheno Wreck, Fraser Island, Qld.
Shipwrecks form an interesting and insightful part of Australia’s maritime history. Many ships met their end in Australia due to the rugged coastline, climatic conditions & early lack of lighthouses. Bass Strait proved particularly treacherous because of its many reefs, islands & shoals. Additionally, large numbers of boats and ships made the long arduous journey to Australia often with unreliable equipment, charts or experience. Australia’s harsh coastline is responsible for more than 6 500 shipwrecks beginning with the ‘Trial’ that sank in 1622 (WA). Two of the more renowned shipwrecks are ‘The Batavia' (1629) off the WA coast and ‘The Loch Ard' (1878) along the Victorian ‘Shipwreck Coast' which spans from Port Fairy to Cape Otway. Today all shipwrecks over 75 years old are legally protected and preserved.