Evidence-backed unusual places in Australia, grouped with maps, original sources and useful geographic context. These are crawlable research records, not an indiscriminate directory: reports without enough depth remain available for exploration but are excluded from search indexing.
Wildflower
Whiting Point
Wildflower was a cutter built in and lost on 11/11/1877. Capsized and sank in 20 feet of water during a sudden squall.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksYoung St. George
Althorpe Island, South Australia
Young St. George was a schooner built in 1856 and lost on 03/01/1878. The vessel was engaged in servicing the construction of the new lighthouse on Althorpe Island. The vessel was on its moo
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksLouise
Port Rickaby, Hardwicke Bay
Louise was a schooner built in 1869 and lost on 11/1878. Went ashore in a gale and became a total wreck.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMercury
Port Pirie
Mercury was a ketch built in 1864 and lost on 19/06/1878. Run down by the steamer Euro while at anchor.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksJames and Margaret
Telowie Beach
James and Margaret was a cutter built in and lost on 06/12/1878. Sparks From Nearby Cooking Fire Ignited Paper Causing A Fire. The Vessel Was Completely Destroyed
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksElizabeth
Port Gawler, South Australia.
Elizabeth was a cutter built in and lost on 15/12/1878. Went ashore with all sails set.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksSarah
Clinton, near Port Wakefield
Sarah was a yawl built in 1874 and lost on 1879. Circumstances unknown.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksIsmyr
Near Reef Head, Yorke Peninsula
Ismyr was a barque built in 1/1868 and lost on 24/02/1879. Presumed to have struck a reef and sank.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMaria
3.5 miles off Lighthouse, near Semaphore, Adelaide, South Australia.
Maria was a cutter built in and lost on 10/06/1879. Presumed sunk in squall with all sails set.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksKingston
Port Caroline, Lacepede Bay
Kingston was a built in and lost on 04/02/1880. Sank
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksPrima Donna
Between Port Macdonnell and Port Adelaide
Prima Donna was a ketch built in 01/02/1870 and lost on 21/08/1880. The ketch departed MacDonnell Bay, bound for Port Adelaide, on 21 August 1880, was never seen again. It is presumed to hav
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksHopper Barge No. 3
1.3 miles south of Cape Jervis, South Australia
Hopper Barge No. 3 was a built in 14/01/1880 and lost on 21/10/1880. Sunk due to heavy weather. On 4 September 1880, the Orient Lines steamer SS Sorata stranded on a ledge of rocks about a
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksYoung Edith
Wallaroo
Young Edith was a cutter built in and lost on 21/10/1880. Dragged anchor, grounded & capsized in heavy westerly gale.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksEndeavour
North Arm, Port River, Port Adelaide
Endeavour was a cutter built in and lost on 10/03/1881. Blown over by a squall and sank.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksExperiment
6 miles south of Althorpe Island, Investigator Strait, south of Inneston, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
Experiment was a schooner built in 30/09/1874 and lost on 09/05/1881. Vessel overloaded, struck by a squall, capsized and sank.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksArk
Dangerous Reef, east of Port Lincoln, Spencer Gulf, South Australia.
Ark was a ketch built in 1873 and lost on 09/11/1881. Broke rudder head in south easterly gale. Stern post started and the vessel sank.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksVesta
River Murray, near Overland Corner
Vesta was a built in 1867 and lost on 08/07/1882. Sunk, although Register was not closed until November 1909 with 'Believed broken up'.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksDart
Aldinga, near Myponga Jetty, Adelaide, South Australia.
Dart was a cutter built in and lost on 28/03/1882. Capsized in sudden squall.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksParara
Point Lowly, near /Whyalla/Port Augusta, Spencer Gulf, South Australia.
Parara was a ketch built in 1874 and lost on 10/07/1882. Driven onto rocks during a northerly gale.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksYoung Lion
Cape Elizabeth Reef, south of Moonta
Young Lion was a ketch built in 1874 and lost on 18/10/1882. Course of vessel altered by mate and struck reef
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksAmelia
About 100 m from shore (north west section?), Avoid Bay, Coffin Bay National Park, West Coast of South Australia.
Amelia was a cutter built in 1858 and lost on 08/02/1883. Amelia was on a sealing expedition to Four Hummocks Islands under the command of Captain Alexander Reid when lost on the morning of
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksStag
Angas Inlet, Port Adelaide
Stag was a built in and lost on 09/03/1883. The hulk was in the Port Stream when the cargo of coal, which had been stored in the hold since the previous November, spontaneous combusted. T
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksLittle Orient
Largs Bay, Adelaide
Little Orient was a built in 1879 and lost on 20/11/1883. Explosion in steam room of vessel and total loss.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksHero
Glenelg, north of Patawalonga Creek
Hero was a built in and lost on 20/01/1884. Went down at moorings in rough weather, went ashore
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksSwallow
Pelican Point, River Murray
Swallow was a built in and lost on 09/02/1884. Sank, cause unknown.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMimosa
Stokes Bay, north coast of Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Mimosa was a ketch built in 02/03/1874 and lost on 14/04/1884. The Mimosa left Port Adelaide in ballast drawing two metres aft and one and a half metres forward. Bound for Moonta Bay, via St
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksTreasure Trove
Near Nepean Bay, Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Treasure Trove was a cutter built in and lost on 21/05/1884. During a southerly gale the cutter dragged its anchors and drove upon the rocks at Queenscliffe (Kingscote). The steamer Dolphi
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksAlternative
Memory Cove, just south of Port Lincoln, Spencer Gulf, South Australia.
Alternative was a cutter built in 1863 and lost on 24/09/1884. In a strong easterly wind, the mainsheet block broke. The vessel drifted onto the rocks becoming a total wreck.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksFannie M
Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, 3 miles SE Point Marsden
Fannie M was a barque built in 1877 and lost on 15/06/1885. The vessel left Newcastle, NSW, on the 6 May 1885 with 1,023 tons of coal bound for Wallaroo, SA, and was drawing 17' 6" (5.33m) f
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMars
Cape Bedout, Kangaroo Island, off Knapman Creek
Mars was a barque built in 5/1877 and lost on 16/06/1885. The barque Mars left Melbourne in ballast on Thursday, 4 June 1885, bound for Port Pirie. Rough weather was encountered, fresh winds
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksHalcyon
Opposite the Coorong, 6 miles down from the mouth of the Murray River, South Australia.
Halcyon was a brig built in 1848 and lost on 14/11/1857. Halycon was run ashore on the beach opposite the Coorong six miles down from the mouth of the Murray, on Saturday 14th of November 18
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksRose
Between Black Point & Adelaide
Rose was a schooner built in 1853 and lost on 15/04/1858. Disappeared. Supposedly sunk during heavy winds.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksVenture
Snapper Point, Kangaroo Island
Venture was a cutter built in and lost on 14/09/1858. Vessel was driven ashore and immediately filled.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMary
Port Willunga
Mary was a cutter built in 1856 and lost on 11/02/1859. Cable broke during gale.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMelbourne
Murray Mouth, near Spit at Port Pullen
Melbourne was a built in 1852 and lost on 16/11/1859. Touched eastern bank and caused a large hole in hull. Filled with water.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksWaitemata
Petrel Bay, St. Francis Island
Waitemata was a schooner built in 1852 and lost on 20/05/1860. Leaking In Storm And Beached On St Francis Island
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksFides
0.5 km west of Snug Cove, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Fides was a barque built in 1857 and lost on 22/05/1860. In September 1859 the Fides, Captain Asplund and crew departed Kristinestad bound for England with a cargo of tar and wood. In London
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksAtalanta
Emu Green, Ravine Des Casoars, western end of Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
Atalanta was a cutter built in and lost on 28/11/1860. The Atalanta was heading from Nepean Bay, Kangaroo Island to Port Lincoln for a fishing cruise on 29 November 1860. There were two me
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksFlying Fish
Port Elliot, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
Flying Fish was a schooner built in 18/01/1843 and lost on 03/12/1860. Broke from moorings during heavy gales and driven ashore.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksHenry and Mary
Aldinga Beach near Willunga Jetty
Henry and Mary was a cutter built in 1852 and lost on 26/05/1861. Mechanical failure on board, dragged anchor and settled on reef.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksBreeze
Pelican Lagoon, Kangaroo Island
Breeze was a cutter built in 1848 and lost on 06/07/1863. On Sunday 5th July 1863 during a strong west-north-west gale the Breeze was seen near Billows Head. During the night the wind veered
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMarion
Cable Hut Bay, 2 nautical miles north east of Cape Spencer, Innes National Park, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
Marion was a built in 24/06/1854 and lost on 11/07/1862. “It’s a beautiful afternoon”, Captain Alex McCoy said to second mate Smith. “We’re in for a pleasant journey”. Had Captain McCoy bee
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksAgenora
Port Willunga, 3/4 mile north of the jetty
Agenora was a schooner built in 1855 and lost on 14/01/1863. Ran ashore due to neglect of the master. By 31 January the wreck was described as being in nearly two parts and all hope of re-fl
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksVanquish
Cape Jervis, 2.5 miles west of Talisker Mine
Vanquish was a schooner built in 1846 and lost on 06/11/1864. Ran ashore around midnight during heavy weather. The land was not visible. Grounded 'imperceptibly', and drifted close in to sho
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksPsyche
Semaphore shoals, near jetty
Psyche was a lugger built in 17/04/1865 and lost on 11/05/1865. Sank at its moorings in severe gale that struck Largs Bay in May 1865. It was raised with intent to repair, but inspection aft
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksSan Miguel
Tiparra Reef, off Moonta Bay, South Australia.
San Miguel was a barque built in 7/1864 and lost on 08/05/1865. The vessel left Port Adelaide on 6 May 1865 bound for Wallaroo with a cargo of hay, copper ore, mining equipment, cement and t
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksCorsair
Port Adelaide, near site of "Grecian", South Australia.
Corsair was a cutter built in and lost on 15/05/1865. Bad quality sails and gear, sank in bad weather.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksBlanche
Wallaroo, near Custom House, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
Blanche was a cutter built in 1853 and lost on 25/07/1865. On 24 July 1865, the cutter Blanche was anchored eastward of the Wallaroo Jetty, about two cables (40 m) from the rocky shore.Drive
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksThistle
Fishery Bay, Cape Jervis
Thistle was a schooner built in 1843 and lost on 03/03/1866. Thistle delivered winding, pumping, and other gear for the large engine at the Talisker Mine at Fishery Bay, Cape Jervis, when it
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksOmeo
Near Corny Point, Yorke Peninsula
Omeo was a schooner built in 1854 and lost on 7/1866. During severe weather, caught in squall, capsized and sank.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksTrader
Willunga, Gulf St. Vincent
Trader was a schooner built in 1854 and lost on 28/09/1866. Driven ashore from its anchors.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksFire Fly
Southern end of Anxious Bay, near Elliston, South Australia
Fire Fly was a cutter built in 1855 and lost on 22/10/1866. Fire Fly, under Captain John Messervy, was returning to Port Adelaide from Streaky Bay when it was lost at the south end of Anxiou
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksLetty
Redcliffs, 15 miles from Port Augusta - Removed And Grounded Near The Customs House, Port Augusta
Letty was a schooner built in 1863 and lost on 11/11/1866. Ran aground and lay on beam ends, with back broken.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksBunyip
7 miles above Chowilla Station, Near South Australia/Victoria border on Bunyip Reach, River Murray, South Australia.
Bunyip was a built in 1858 and lost on 08/12/1866. Fire near boiler. Vessel was completely destroyed.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksLillie May
Cape Elizabeth, 1 mile outside buoy, southern end of Moonta Bay
Lillie May was a ketch built in 1889 and lost on 04/06/1921. Foundered
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksZanoni
Gulf St. Vincent, near Long Spit, near Ardrossan, South Australia.
Zanoni was a barque built in 04/11/1865 and lost on 11/02/1867. The barque Zanoni arrived at Port Adelaide on 12 January 1867 with a cargo of sugar from Mauritius. Contemporary newspaper acc
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksAgneta
Troubridge Shoal, near Sultana Creek, Edithburgh, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
Agneta was a cutter built in and lost on 09/07/1867. Foundered during heavy squall lost without a trace.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksJuno
Port Wallaroo
Juno was a built in and lost on 12/04/1870. Vandals cut painter ropes and during storm drifted onto rocks.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksLady Fergusson
Off Aldinga, near Port Willunga
Lady Fergusson was a cutter built in 1868 and lost on 16/04/1870. Sank due to starting of a butt or overloading.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksBen Morowie
Wallaroo, Yorke Peninsula
Ben Morowie was a cutter built in and lost on 27/06/1870. During a heavy westerly gale, the vessel dragged its anchor and drifted onto the Smelting Works Company's slag bank and broke up.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksWalter and John
Point Bolingbroke
Walter and John was a cutter built in 1870 and lost on 27/02/1871. Struck a reef in heavy swell and sank in 6 fathoms.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksElizabeth
Whiting Point, 3 miles below Torrens Island.
Elizabeth was a cutter built in and lost on 9/1871. Swamped and foundered, presumably during a storm. Found drifting offshore, submerged with only its mast above water.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksBlack Diamond
Wilberta Reef, Walrus Rocks, near Moonta Bay, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
Black Diamond was a built in 1864 and lost on 25/05/1872. With the crew losing their bearings, the vessel struck rocks, filled with water and broke up.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksDolphin
Boston Bay, near Port Lincoln, South Australia.
Dolphin was a cutter built in and lost on 8/1872. Foundered during gale.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksKangaroo
Off Cape Elizabeth 3/4 mile NE of Moonta
Kangaroo was a schooner built in 1855 and lost on 10/02/1873. Failed to observe buoy and ran onto reef.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksSecret
3 miles north of Point Bolingbroke, near Port Lincoln
Secret was a cutter built in 1859 and lost on 20/07/1873. Struck a reef, filled with water and capsized at 4pm.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksIron King
Troubridge Shoal, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
Iron King was a ship built in 1/1867 and lost on 11/12/1873. The vessel departed London in August 1873 bound for Port Adelaide with 30 paying passengers, 28 Government sponsored immigrants a
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksOrwell
Macdonnell Bay, 1/4 mile from French's Point
Orwell was a schooner built in 1871 and lost on 28/04/1873. Parted from moorings, drifted ashore and beached.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksFairfield
Cape Cassini, Kangaroo Island
Fairfield was a ship built in 1846 and lost on 09/08/1874. On 8 August 1874 Fairfield left Port Adelaide in ballast, but with a small amount of cargo, bound for Wallaroo. However, having onl
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksAlbert
Antechamber Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
Albert was a schooner built in 08/07/1863 and lost on 07/06/1875. The schooner Albert left American River for Port Adelaide on 7 June 1875 carrying a general cargo. The vessel called at Ante
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksNimrod
Off Port Adelaide, NW of the Lighthouse
Nimrod was a cutter built in 1866 and lost on 26/07/1875. Filled with water during heavy squalls and foundered.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksEclair
Yankalilla, near the jetty, Gulf St. Vincent, South Australia.
Eclair was a schooner built in 1849 and lost on 14/10/1875. Dragged anchor and ran ashore.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksDaring
Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Daring was a ketch built in and lost on 10/08/1885. On 10 August 1885 the hawking ketch Daring broke its mooring during a gale and ran up the harbour at Hog Bay eventually striking against
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksHarriet
Near Sheoak Flat, Orontes Bank. 7 miles NE of Point Vincent
Harriet was a built in and lost on 11/05/1887. Presumed swamped while running before a gale and sank.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMary Ann
15 miles SW of Mount Young
Mary Ann was a cutter built in and lost on 01/12/1885. Sprang a leak and abandoned in 11 fathoms of water.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksMinnie
Glenelg
Minnie was a built in and lost on 22/04/1886. Dragged moorings during gale and ran into Glenelg Jetty. Total wreck
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksScud
Torrens Island
Scud was a built in and lost on 23/04/1886. Capsized in squall.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksPioneer
Marion Bay, Yorke Pensinsula, South Australia
Pioneer was a dandy built in and lost on 24/07/1886. Went ashore during a gale and vessel broke up in surf.
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksRoma
Tailem Bend, River Murray
Roma was a built in 29/05/1884 and lost on 26/12/1886. While heading to Goolwa with a cargo of wool bales in very hot weather, the funnel case was observed to be on fire when the vessel was
Map, evidence and context →SHIPWRECK · South Australian ShipwrecksGuldax
Approximately 1.8 km south of Normanville, South Australia at 'Comic Court' Caravan Park. 137 m north of the Boat Ramp.
Guldax was a barque built in 11/1878 and lost on 02/09/1887. The Guldax was an 11 year old wooden barque of 556 tons gross weight. On Friday 2nd September 1887 Guldax was under sail, just of
Map, evidence and context →