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The Ship's Graveyard

The Ship's Graveyard is the resting place of at least 25 vessels which were scuttled between 1925 and 1971.

Retired or brocken steamers, sailing barques, dredges, barges and even a submarine were towed out of Port Phillip Bay and laid to rest in 35 fathoms (60-70 metres) of water.

The scuttling site, also known as 'Commonwealth Area No. 3' is approximately 8 kilometres South-West of Barwon Heads.

Various vessels were progressively 'Hulked'; their fittings, engines and upper decks were salvaged before a hole was cut below the waterline and the hull allowed to settle in its watery grave.

Reference: L. Foster, "Port Phillip Shipwrecks", for the Victoria Archaeological Survey, Ministry for Planning and Environment, 1988.