A mist-shrouded coast, treacherous waters and fateful ocean voyages - Victoria’s famed Shipwreck Coast has a few tales to tell. Stretching for 130 kms along the Great Ocean Road from Cape Otway to Port Fairy, this rugged coastline has claimed over 700 ships. Many have never been found. Today, remnants of these tragic maritime disasters are a haunting reminder of the coast's perilous past. 

From the dramatic cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge to the hidden relics at Wreck Beach, each site tells a story of human endeavour, tragedy and survival. Here, we uncover some of the history along this iconic road.

While the Great Ocean Road begins further east at the surf town of Torquay, the notorious Cape Otway marks the southeastern start of the Shipwreck Coast. Often the first sight of land for ships carrying settlers and cargo from Europe and America, its jagged headland was also a deadly trap for many vessels. The Cape Otway Lighthouse, the oldest of its kind on mainland Australia, was built in 1848 to warn ships of the dangers, but even with its beacon, many ships still foundered. 

The lighthouse itself is a historic attraction, along with the homestead and outbuildings that housed the lighthouse keepers and their families. The surrounding area is woven with walking trails that lead to vantage points overlooking the heart pounding seas. There’s also a lighthouse museum with insights into the wrecks near the cape and the role the lighthouse played in trying to prevent them.

One of the most well-known wrecks near Cape Otway is the Joanna, a schooner that ran aground just north of the cape in 1857. Built for work in the lime trade, the Joanna was driven from its anchors here and sank soon after. The wreck lies in shallow waters and divers can still spot parts of the ship’s timbers and other fragments scattered across the seabed. The nearby rural farming settlement of Johanna, and the Johanna River, were named after the wreck. 

Eric the Red was another significant wreck near the cape. The three-masted ship left New York in June 1880, carrying exhibits for the Melbourne Exhibition and general cargo, along with passengers and crew. After 85 days at sea, the ship reached Cape Otway, guided by the lighthouse. However, after the crew misjudged the distance from shore, the ship struck the Otway reef at 1am and sank within 12 minutes. Four persons drowned, while the survivors clung to the wreckage until they were rescued the next day.

Further along the Shipwreck Coast, the aptly named Wreck Beach Victoria offers a unique and haunting experience. Accessible via a steep staircase, the beach lies at the base of dramatic cliffs and is the final resting place of two famous shipwrecks. At low tide, you can spot the rusted iron anchors and winches embedded in the rocks, offering an eerie reminder of the ships’ final moments. 

On its way to Melbourne with a cargo of tea from China, the Marie Gabrielle was forced ashore in 1869 by a strong gale that broke the ship in two. The crew were lucky to survive but the ship’s prized cargo of tea, gin, and rice spilled across the beach. The remains of the Marie Gabrielle rest here in shallow waters, and its anchor is visible at low tide.

Two decades later in 1891, the Fiji suffered a similar fate. After sailing from Hamburg, it ran aground during a storm and was dashed against the rocks at Moonlight Head. Eleven of the 25 crew, and a young local who tried to help rescue the men, went down with the ship and the cargo was lost to sea. Coffins were made from the washed up timber to bury the dead. As with the Marie Gabrielle, the remnants of the Fiji shipwreck can still be seen at Wreck Beach, making it one of the more fascinating stops for those exploring the region’s shipwreck heritage.

While most visitors flock to the popular 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road to see the golden cliffs and crumbling limestone stacks, the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park is also home to several shipwrecks lying beneath the waves. 

Part of the protected marine park, Loch Ard Gorge is one of the top must-visit shipwreck sites on the Great Ocean Road, and perhaps the most famous. It was here, in 1878, that the iron-hulled clipper Loch Ard met its tragic fate. After a long voyage from England, the ship struck Mutton Bird Island in heavy fog and foundered close to shore. Of the 54 passengers and crew on board, only two survived - shiphand Tom Pearce and passenger Eva Carmichael.

Today, Loch Ard Gorge’s beauty belies the tragedy it witnessed. While access to the sandy beach below is currently closed, you can still visit the sandstone cliff tops that encircle the gorge and experience the power of the Southern Ocean as it roars through the narrow channel. Explore the Shipwreck Walk around the site with stunning views of the coast and signs that recount the Loch Ard Gorge shipwreck story. You can also visit the Loch Ard Cemetery nearby, where those who perished in the wreck are buried. 

A worthy stop on the Great Ocean Road, you can admire the spectacular view from the top, or if weather permits, climb down the 86-step staircase and explore the beautiful, atmospheric stretch of beach below. Be dwarfed by towering 70m high cliffs and marvel at Gog and Magog, the giant limestone stacks that rise up from the waves just off shore. The steps were carved into the cliffs here by local settler Hugh Gibson, who also played a part in the wreck of the Loch Ard. He helped rescue the two survivors Tom and Eva, who made their recovery at his nearby Glenample homestead.

At the western end of the Shipwreck Coast, at the mouth of the Moyne River, you’ll find one of Victoria’s earliest settlements. Port Fairy was a bustling whaling port in the 19th century, and twenty ships were lost here between 1836 and 1876, after being driven ashore by southerly gales.

Near the historic Port Fairy village, you’ll find the Griffiths Island sanctuary. The island is known for its scenic beauty, native animal and birdlife, and the iconic Port Fairy Lighthouse at the eastern tip. It also has a connection to the region’s maritime history, as several shipwrecks lie in the waters nearby.

While Griffiths Island itself may not have visible remnants of wrecks like Wreck Beach, the walk around the island offers panoramic views of the coastline and a chance to reflect on the turbulent history that once defined the area. You can walk out to the island along the causeway from Martins Point.

Lastly, perhaps one of the most mysterious and enduring shipwreck stories is that of the Mahogany Ship, a fabled wreck that’s long intrigued historians and treasure hunters alike. Said to be a Portuguese or Spanish caravel made of mahogany, it allegedly predates British settlement in Australia. The Mahogany Ship is believed to be buried in the sand dunes somewhere near Warrnambool, though it has never been found.

Where to stay

You can enjoy quality Great Ocean Road accommodation along the way, from Geelong all the way to Portland. 

Quality Hotel Bayside Geelong is located on the Esplanade and offers amazing water views.

Further along the Great Ocean Road, you’ll find places to stay in Warrnambool close to beaches, coastal attractions and shipwrecks on the Great Ocean Road.

In Portland, stay at the historic Quality Hotel Bentinck built in 1856, while the comfortable Econo Lodge Portland is set right across from the beachfront.