The Newfield
Three masted iron barque 1306 tons gross
Built Dundee Scotland 1889
Wrecked Newfield Bay 29 August 1892
The Newfield", with a crew of 26, left Sharpness, Scotland, on 28 May 1889, with a cargo of fine salt for Brisbane.
Near midnight on 29 August, in squally weather, the Captain mistook the Cape Otway light for that of King Island, and headed the ship straight towards the coast.
The vessel struck rocks about 100 metres from shore. Nine men drowned when boats capsized in the heavy surf, but the remaining crew rowed safely to Peterborough.
The remains of the Newfield lie 100 metres offshore, scattered across the reef in five metres of water. Five of the drowned sailors are buried in Port Campbell.
The Schomberg
Three-masted wooden clipper 2284 Tons
Built Aberdeen Scotland 1855
Wrecked Schomberg Reef Peterborough
26 December 1855
Acclaimed as the fastest and most perfect vessel ever built, the magnificent Schomberg was on its initial voyage from England to Australia when it ran aground in clear, calm conditions. There were no casualties.
The Captain James 'Bully' Forbes had boasted 'Hell or Melbourne' in sixty days. He was below deck before the wreck, said to be playing cards with 18 year-old passenger Miss Hart.
He was later charged with gross negilence, and his career was ruined.
The wreck lies in seven metres of water, east of Schomberg Rock. Its main feature is ironwork intended for the Melbourne-Geelong railway.
The Young Australian
Three-masted wooden schooner 130 tons
Built Jervis Bay NSW 1864
Wrecked Peterborough 28 May 1877
The Young Australian left Maryborough, Queensland on 2 may 1877 bound for Adelaide.
A severe storm in eastern Bass Strait damaged the ship's rigging, making it difficult to steer.
On the morning of 28 May, the wind drove the vessel towards the coast. Unable to correct its course, the Captain decided to run the vessel ashore.
Helmsman George Eltham took the battered ship through the breakers and beached it fifty metres from Curdie's inlet. A line was swum ashore, and all the crew except the helsman reached safety.
A small anchor is all that remains of the wreck today.
Illustration
TheYoung Austrailian aground at Curdies Inlet.
The Historic Shipwreck Trail links the site of the many wrecks along the stormy coast of western Victoria.
Look for Trail signs as you tour the coast. Each site reveals more about our fascinating maritime history. Further information is available from tourist and information centres.
(Natural Disasters • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 1 photo, GPS coordinates, map.
