Deceptively Calm Beauty - Explored!
A beautiful beach and crystal-clear waters sheltered from the open Southern Ocean beyond by the steep cliffs on either side would apparently make this an idyllic location. But as you've seen if you've been following this stream this week, this is Loch Ard Gorge, site of one of Australia's great Victorian tragedies - and almost-romances.
In the early hours of 1 June 1878, the Loch Ard, a Glasgow-built clipper, was approaching the end of a three-month voyage on a murky night when cliffs were seen ahead and despite the crew's best efforts, the ship ran aground on Muttonbird Island just beyond the entrance above.
Of the 36 crew and 18 passengers, only two survived. Only four bodies were recovered from the Loch Ard and most of the cargo was lost, including all but one of a range of high-quality items intended for display at Melbourne's 1880 International Exhibition.
Today, the Loch Ard Gorge is part of Port Campbell National Park, which also includes the Glenample Homestead and the world-famous Twelve Apostles.
Deceptively Calm Beauty - Explored!
A beautiful beach and crystal-clear waters sheltered from the open Southern Ocean beyond by the steep cliffs on either side would apparently make this an idyllic location. But as you've seen if you've been following this stream this week, this is Loch Ard Gorge, site of one of Australia's great Victorian tragedies - and almost-romances.
In the early hours of 1 June 1878, the Loch Ard, a Glasgow-built clipper, was approaching the end of a three-month voyage on a murky night when cliffs were seen ahead and despite the crew's best efforts, the ship ran aground on Muttonbird Island just beyond the entrance above.
Of the 36 crew and 18 passengers, only two survived. Only four bodies were recovered from the Loch Ard and most of the cargo was lost, including all but one of a range of high-quality items intended for display at Melbourne's 1880 International Exhibition.
Today, the Loch Ard Gorge is part of Port Campbell National Park, which also includes the Glenample Homestead and the world-famous Twelve Apostles.