Wendouree (1882) facts for kids

The Wendouree was a strong steel steamship that sailed the seas around Australia a long time ago. She was built in Scotland and first worked carrying coal, like a big floating truck. Later, she was changed to carry people, taking them on trips between big cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Shipwrecks Regent Murray, Wendouree and Lindus, Newcastle Harbour, New South Wales, 1899

About the Ship Wendouree

The Wendouree was a special kind of ship called a steel steamship. This means she was made from strong steel and powered by a steam engine. She was built in a place called Leith, Scotland, by a company named S & H Morton & Co.

Her first job was to carry coal, which is why she was known as a "collier." She worked for Huddart Parker & Co. Pty. Ltd., a shipping company in Australia.

From Coal to Passengers

After some time, the Wendouree was changed to do a different job. Workers refitted her, which means they changed her inside to carry passengers instead of just coal. She then sailed on popular routes, like between the big cities of Melbourne and Sydney. Imagine traveling on a ship like that over 100 years ago!

The Final Journey

The Wendouree's last trip happened on 20 July 1898. She was leaving Newcastle, New South Wales, and heading towards Adelaide. On board, she was carrying a very large amount of coal, about 1,850 tons.

As she was leaving the harbor, the ship hit a shallow area of sand or rock called a "bar." This happened at a place known as the Oyster Bank, right at the mouth of the Hunter River. The ship got stuck and was badly damaged, becoming a shipwreck.