Magnetic Island Shipwrecks Trail
The Ghost Fleet of Magnetic Island
A Maritime Heritage Trail
Magnetic Island is more than just a tropical paradise; it is a graveyard of the Great Barrier Reef's maritime past. With over 20 known shipwrecks encircling its shores, the island offers a unique "underwater museum" where history meets nature.
From the haunting, mangrove-clad ribs of the City of Adelaide to the hidden wartime relics of the Moltke, these sites tell stories of survival, industry, and the raw power of the Coral Sea. Whether you are a walker, snorkeler, or history buff, this guide is your portal into the secrets lying just beneath the surface.
Feature image: City of Adelaide Shipwreck © Ines Bellesi
ICONIC "WALK-TO" WRECKS
Perfect for families and non-swimmers at low tide.
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City of Adelaide (1916): Located in Cockle Bay. A 1863 passenger steamer turned "floating forest." It is the most photographed wreck in Australia for a reason.
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George Rennie (1902): (Shown above). Located in Picnic Bay. A former paddle steamer whose iron skeleton provides a striking silhouette against the sunset at Hawkings Point.
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Presto (1896): Located in Nelly Bay. An iron barque scuttled over a century ago to protect the island’s original timber jetty. Its bow now sits on the Nelly Bay Harbour entrance - on the "Presto Breakwater".
THE LEGACY OF CYCLONE SIGMA (1896)
In January 1896, a devastating cyclone which caused immense destruction and reshaped the coastline, claiming several vessels in a single night.
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Lavina: A timber brigantine which use to ferry timber and sugar, was lost at Rocky Bay.
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Fate: Wrecked near Liver Point on the north west corner of Magnetic Island.
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Burdekin: A sugar transport beached just offshore from the southern end of Young Bay.
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Lalla Rookh: The ketch timber transporter which was torn from its moorings and can now be found in Alma Bay.
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Presto: (As shown above - see "Walk-to Wrecks")
WINGS OVER THE WATER: WWII RELICS
Magnetic Island played a vital role in Northern Australia's defense.
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Curtiss Falcon (1943): A US Army aircraft that ditched in Geoffrey Bay. While the pilot was heroically rescued, the propeller remains a silent underwater sentinel.
For more WWII relics, remember to visit the Forts while you're visiting. It's the No. 1 walk on Magnetic Island.
A-Z Maritime Directory for Magnetic Island Shipwrecks
A searchable table for enthusiasts and researchers.
Name | Year | Location | Depth | Quick Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Argonaut II | 1978 | Horseshoe Bay | 6m | A 40m ketch that once served as a floating restaurant. |
Army Pontoons | 1939-1945 | Huntingfield Bay | 10m+ | Steel pontoons used for wartime logistics. |
Balmunda | 1981 | Horseshoe Bay | 3–6m | Prawn trawler that caught fire while moored. |
Bee | 1901 | Picnic Bay | 0–2m | Former Sydney ferry; steering jammed 70ft from the jetty. |
Burdekin | 1896 | Young Bay | 0–2m | Sugar transport beached after striking Burdekin Rock. |
Caroo | 1926 | Bolger Bay | 3–5m | Iron steamer used as a coal hulk; now flattened. |
City of Adelaide | 1916 | Cockle Bay | 0–2m | Iconic "mangrove wreck"; former passenger steamer. |
Curtiss Falcon | 1943 | Geoffrey Bay | 4–6m | WWII aircraft; engine failed during a local flight. |
Fate | 1896 | Liver Point | TBC | Lost during the infamous Cyclone Sigma. |
George Rennie | 1902 | Picnic Bay | 0–2m | Former paddle steamer scuttled as a breakwater. |
Lalla Rookh | 1896 | Bremner Point | 5–7m | Timber ketch; best accessed from Alma Bay. |
Lavina | 1896 | Rocky Bay | 5–8m | Timber brigantine lost with one life in 1896. |
Magnet | 1917 | Florence Bay | 9m | Struck a reef during a local picnic party. |
May Queen | 1907 | Picnic Bay | 2–4m | 97-ton schooner that broke up on the coast. |
Moltke | 1913 | Geoffrey Bay | 2–6m | 3-masted German barque; used for WWII target practice. |
Morning Light | 1913 | Horseshoe Bay | 0–2m | Schooner used to transport indentured labour. |
Norseman | 1893 | Horseshoe Bay | TBC | Refloated after a 9-month stranding, then wrecked again. |
Octopus | 1928 | Octopus Cove | 8–10m | Massive 50m bucket dredge; popular fishing spot. |
Palmosa | TBC | Horseshoe Bay | 4–6m | Coastal trader scuttled near the northern reef. |
Platypus | 1902 | Arthur Bay | 3–7m | Townsville's first dredge; boilers are still visible. |
Presto | 1896 | Nelly Bay | 0–2m | Iron barque scuttled to create a breakwater. |
Rialto | 1920 | West Point | 10m+ | Capsized in a sudden squall; three lives lost. |
Spray | 1918 | Norris Bay | TBC | Wrecked during a severe gale. |
Stella Maris | TBC | Bolger Bay | 3m | Local fishing vessel; foundered in shallow water. |
US Landing Vessel | 1945 | West Point | 8–10m | WWII "Higgins Boat" used for troop transport. |
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Simply contact us with the details and we'll add your info to this page.
Safety and conservation
SAFETY FIRST
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Check the Tides: Walk-to wrecks require a low tide.
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Don't Climb: Rusted iron and barnacles are razor-sharp.
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Stinger Suits: Essential from November to May.
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Currents: Some offshore wrecks like the Octopus have strong tidal pulls.
CONSERVATION:
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Look, Don't Touch: These are fragile historical sites and protected habitats.
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Leave It There: Removing artifacts is illegal under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018.
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Eco-Snorkeling: Avoid standing on the wrecks or surrounding coral.
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Be Aware!: Ensure that all diving equipment is not dragging, be aware of your fins, and exercise buoyancy control.
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No anchors: Don't tie marker buoys or access lines directly to the shipwrecks.
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Observe from the outside: Please don't enter the wreck.
Resources and further reading
VISIT THE EXPERTS
For more in-depth history, visit the Magnetic Museum, Granite St, Picnic Bay.
OPEN (Easter to Australia Day):
10am to 2pm: Thursdays to Mondays
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
(Closed for the wet season from Australia Day to Easter)
Sources:
