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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.

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

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.

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.

News

Bass Coast Shire Grant

Bass Coast Shire Council Quick Response Grant 2024 Another successful Bass Coast Shire Council Grant application has enabled a committee member to undertake a short course in updating and maintaining the Amazon 1863 Project Inc. website.  These wonderful grants allow smaller projects to be completed in a short time frame and the staff at the Bass Coast Shire are always happy to assist with any queries. The Amazon 1863 Project Committee would like to acknowledge this Bass Coast Shire Council grant and thank GippsTech for their knowledge and assistance.  

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July 25, 2024

Cultural Discovery Centre

Cultural Centre for Inverloch 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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July 5, 2024

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. https://www.youtu.be/ZLzBDhilDL0

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June 27, 2024

December 2021 – Unveiling of the Deadwood

What a wonderful way to finish off the year with the ‘Deadwood Unveiling’ finally taking place on the 158th anniversary of the grounding of the Amazon on the Inverloch Surf Beach. The Deadwood is 3.3 metres (11 ft) tall and is quite an imposing relic. It is fixed using the

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December 15, 2021

We are currently updating our website and look forward to sharing more of the Amazon story.