Amazon 1863 Project Inc.

Protecting Inverloch's Amazon Shipwreck

The Amazon 1863 Project Inc. was formed in 2019 to protect the recently revealed Amazon shipwreck on the Surf Beach at Inverloch on the Bass Coast, South Gippsland Australia.  The Committee encourage annual memberships and sell merchandise to fund artefact conservation and share the history of this A1 Class mid-nineteenth century wooden sailing ship.  Bass Coast Shire plans for the Inverloch Cultural Discovery Centre will be the perfect facility to showcase artefacts and the Amazon story.

Read more about the September 2024 reveal.

Discover how this sailing ship left the Port of Melbourne in 1863 bound for Mauritius and became wrecked on an Inverloch beach. Remarkably no lives were lost!

Internal deadwoods in Amazon's bow Photo by Karyn Bugeja
The bow of the Amazon as it was revealed in 2020.
Internal section of starboard, displaying handrail, deadeyes and ribs

Where is the Amazon Shipwreck located?

The Amazon Shipwreck is on the Surf Beach at Inverloch in the Bunurong Marine National Park which is managed by Parks Victoria.  First locate the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club at the intersection of Surf Parade and Goroke Street, there is a carpark, toilets and a path leading down to the beach.

Approximately 450m to the west, the wreck of the Amazon can usually be seen in the sand at LOW TIDE.  If Wreck Creek is running you may require waterproof shoes or just bare feet.  Check ‘Inverloch Surf Beach Tides’ for tide times.

This section of the Amazon bow was revealed transiently in 2020 and quickly recovered with sand. Deadwood are the internal structures which give strength to the stem of a wooden ship. The vertical planking with a rib attached would have been in a horizontal position. The stern was ripped off on impact during beaching of the vessel.

News

Amazon Shipwreck Floats Again!

Amazon shipwreck floats again! Read more about the September 2024 refloat. 1st September 2024 from this ……. 2nd September cyclonic conditions to this……. 2nd September lunchtime, Amazon bow rests

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Bass Coast Shire Grant

Discover how the Bass Coast Shire Council Quick Response Grant 2024 is making a difference! This initiative has empowered a member to enhance the Amazon 1863 Project Inc. website through a short course.

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Cultural Discovery Centre

This contemporary building will deliver a strong focal point for the Inverloch Community This early stage architect’s concept was developed following consultations with each potential stakeholder and the magnificent space will have provision for the Amazon story.

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Rounding the Cape

Four Masted Barque rounding Cape Horn 1928 – Captain Irving Johnson This incredible voyage in 1928 gives us an inkling of what the Amazon crew may have experienced, remembering that this voyage was undertaken 73 years after the Amazon was built.

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