JoelWhere and How to Get There
Magnetic Island is located just off the coast of Townsville. There are two separate ferry companies that travel to Magnetic Island. Sealink Queensland operate a passenger ferry service and Magnetic Island Ferries.
Upon reaching the island, the S.S. City of Adelaide can be accessed via Cockle Bay. This is just around the corner from Picnic Bay. Cockle Bay Drive is an unsealed road but in good condition.
Public transport can take you as far as Picnic Bay from the Ferry Terminal, so unless you have brought your own car or hired a vehicle, it will be a few kms to walk there.
Interesting Facts
The S.S. City of Adelaide is a great shipwreck to see as it is visible and accessible to anyone. At low tide you can walk out there for a closer look!
- The ship was built and launched out of Glasgow, Scotland.
- It was used to transport coal, but had a serious fire on board.
- The ship was stripped and the original intent was to use it as a breakwater in Picnic Bay, but it ran aground in Cockle Bay.
- In 1942, the RAAF actually used the ship as a mock target for bombing raids – and one of the bombers actually ran into the masts of the ship and crashed – killing all on board.
- A colony of Cockatoos now call it home.
Definitely add this to your list if you plan on visiting Magnetic Island! We will be compiling a complete guide on Magnetic Island very soon.
[…] out our other article on the SS City of Adelaide Shipwreck which resides off the coast of Magnetic […]