Wreck Site - Star of the South

Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK
‘Star of the South’ has historic significance as a locally built colonial ship. Owned by James Moore and M C Davies, the ‘Star of the South’ represents local enterprise and the dependency on the Bunbury community on shipping and associated trade activities. It is one of a number of shipwrecks in Koombana Bay from the colonial period that tell the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury.

Physical Description

SHIPWRECK
Remains of wreck buried in the sand closer to the Inlet than to Koombana Bay.

History

'Star of the South' was an 11 metre long cutter weighing 12.3 tonnes. It was built at Bunbury in 1875 by local boat builder, J Gibbs, and was owned by James Moore (father of Sir Newton Moore) and M C Davies (miller at Karridale).

The vessel left Bunbury for Busselton in 1876 and plied the coast. It was used by local businessmen transporting their goods to market and sailed the Western Australian coast collecting and discharging cargo at the various ports.

On 26 June 1888 at Bunbury, she became stranded after parting her cables. The ship went aground the sand bar and broke up. At the time, it was carrying a load of guano.

'Star of the South' had previously been driven ashore in heavy seas at Busselton in June 1885 and refloated.

Archaeology

SHIPWRECK

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains.

Condition

Unknown

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.