Inverloch - Amazon Shipwreck
The Amazon was a barque built at St Helier on the Island of Jersey, one of the British Channel Islands, in 1855. For 8 years she travelled the world with cargoes of flour, sugar or coal. Salted meat was among the provisions for the crew.
In December 1863, the Amazon departed Port Phillip heading for Mauritius. Near Apollo Bay at Cape Otway Captain Ogier claimed they encountered a fierce storm, a hurricane which blew the Amazon east. The Captain tried to enter Port Phillip to no avail and the Amazon was blown further east to Inverloch where she hit flat rocks. Masts were cut down; the ship was beached where she began to break up. Thankfully, no lives were lost.
The erosion on the Surf Beach at Inverloch has been devastating over the last years. Up to 50m of sand dune has been lost. The Amazon Shipwreck has been hidden and protected under dunes for 2 or possibly 3 generations. Once exposed to the elements the wooden Shipwreck remains will weather and begin to break down.
The Amazon Shipwreck is the most significant shipwreck on Victoria's coast, and she is THE only wooden shipwreck. Please do not stand on her, prod or poke her, she has just celebrated her 165th birthday and is looking rather good for her age! The ONLY thing we want you to take are photos and memories. Under the Heritage Act 2017 (Vic) and the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 all shipwrecks are protected whether they are located on land or under water. Remember that heavy penalties apply.
Part of the trail board which was fixed to the bow of the ship was found lying on the beach in August 2019. It was removed by Heritage Victoria and is now safe and awaiting conservation.
Where is the Amazon Shipwreck?
The Amazon Shipwreck is on the Surf Beach at Inverloch in the Bunurong Marine National Park which is managed by Parks Victoria. If you head to the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club at the intersection of Surf Parade and Goroke St, there is a car park, toilets and a path leading down to the beach.
Approximately 450m to the west (right) the wreck of the Amazon can be seen in the sand at LOW TIDE. In recent times Wreck Creek has found a new outlet closer to the wreck and if it is running you might want to be prepared with waterproof shoes or just bare feet. Check 'Inverloch Surf Beach Tides' for tide
times. Note: The wreckage is not always clearly visible due to shifting sands.
Photos:
Location
163 Surf Parade, Inverloch 3996 Map
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ https://amazon1863.org.au
