If you’ve ever ventured onto 75 mile beach on Fraser Island, then you might have seen the mysterious structure lying in the middle of the beach. The Maheno Shipwreck has attracted tourists for years.
The Maheno Shipwreck crashed in 1935 on its way to Japan. The S. S Maheno is quite possibly the most famous shipwreck in history. It’s served a few different uses in its history. Now it lies on the beach, slowly withering away and rusting at the hands of the harsh salty weather that surrounds it.
Origins
Originally, the ship was built in Clyde Bank (Scotland) by two Dumbarton-born brothers.
In the beginning of its life, it was designed to be a 5* luxury ship. As a luxury passenger ship, it was designed to transport VIPs and celebrities across the Tasman Ocean. Then, the New Zealand government commissioned the ship to become a hospital ship in 1915. And in the final stages of its life, it was used as a civilian ship and sold to the Japanese government.
Tragically, a cyclone struck and the Maheno was caught amongst the storms that attacked choppy ocean, on the East Coast of Australia. Led astray by the forceful weather, the ship was lost for many days, until people on the beach discovered that it had stranded on the beach.
That beach just so happened to be Fraser Island!
The Cyclone
The S.S Maheno was in tow with another ship at the time of its sinking. The ship, The Oonah, did not join it – as it was completely broken free from the tow of the Maheno. The Maheno managed to float onwards towards the shoreline of Fraser, where it stayed.
Tourist attraction
Although the ship will continue to rot and rust away from the weather, it’s still a key iconic spot on K’gari. Tourists flock to the beach to take photos of the area due to its backdrop.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.