A fast information to trying out the SS Metropolis of Adelaide, the well-known Magnetic Island wreck reclaimed by nature. Learn how to get right here with tricks to get nice pictures.
The Magnetic Island wreck, or extra particularly, the SS Metropolis of Adelaide is likely one of the most iconic wrecks on the Australian coast.
What makes it so distinctive is that it has been resurrected by thick mangroves that develop from the wreck. It’s additionally now house to a flock of cockatoos who dwell within the mangrove bushes sprouting from the rusted deck.

Magnetic Island Wreck – The SS Metropolis of Adelaide
Whereas there are dozens of wrecks on Magnetic Island, the SS Metropolis of Adelaide is likely one of the most well-known.
It was initially a Scottish steam passenger vessel which stranded itself in shallow water in Cockle Bay, Magnetic Island as a consequence of a hearth.
On the time of sinking in 1916, it was determined that chopping up the ship and salvaging it might be too troublesome as a result of shallow water. As an alternative, it was determined that it might stay in Cockle Bay.

RELATED: 12 BEST THINGS TO DO ON MAGNETIC ISLAND
The best way to Get to the Magnetic Island Wreck
The wreck is situated in Cockle Bay, on the southern finish of Magnetic Island. One of the simplest ways to get there’s to first head to Picnic Bay, and stroll.
There are buses that run across the island, and it’ll solely take round quarter-hour to get from the Nelly Bay bus terminal to Picnic Bay. For these coming from Horseshoe Bay, count on a 40-minute journey.
From the Picnic Bay Wharf, you’ll have a few choices to get to the long-lasting Magnetic Island Wreck. For comfort, I’ve pinned the precise location of the wreck on the google maps beneath.
Stroll Across the Rocks from Picnic Bay
At low tide, it’s attainable to stroll all the way in which across the rocks from Picnic Bay. It could possibly get a bit bit muddy, and also you’ll want to look at the flood tide. Nonetheless, that is the quickest possibility for reaching the wreck.
Stroll the Highway from Picnic Bay
You may stroll across the headland, following suburban streets to the tip of W Level Highway with a view to attain the wreck website from Picnic Bay Wharf. It’s solely a brief stroll that received’t take greater than 20 minutes.
For precise instructions, observe the map above.
Strolling Out to the Wreck at Low Tide
At low tide, the water rushes out and leaves the wreck sitting utterly out of the water. It’s solely attainable to stroll all the way in which out at low tide. Nonetheless, watch the gentle, sinking mud.
In any other case, admire the wreck from afar on the shore’s edge, and even lease a kayak to paddle out at excessive tide.
Secret Native Wreck Viewpoint
The perfect viewpoint on the southern finish of Magnetic Island can be a first-rate spot for trying out the Magnetic Island wreck. It’s not clearly marked on any maps, and we discovered it purely by coincidence when searching for a spot to fly the drone from. Apparently, locals have named this viewpoint Sails Rock.
The point of view is simply beside a water tower at Cockle Bay. I’ve marked the instructions on the map beneath. In case you’re coming from Picnic Bay, it’ll solely take round 20 minutes, following a steep highway to the highest.
When you attain the water tower, there’s a small, unmarked path that leads a bit additional to a clearing with some big, overhanging rocks on the fringe of the cliff.
From the point of view, you’ll have glorious views over cockle bay and the wreck, in addition to views all the way in which previous Picnic Bay and into the inside hillside panorama.


The place to Keep on Magnetic Island
Beneath I’ve summarised the three finest locations to remain on Magnetic Island for varied budgets. The hyperlinks go to Reserving.com, which is what I personally all the time use to e-book the perfect offers on lodging.
- Keep on the Koala Sanctuary: Bungalow Bay Koala Village – This hostel is likely one of the best-rated funds lodging choices on Magnetic Island. It has an excellent chill-out space, pool and naturally, the on-site koalas.
- Greatest Hostel With a View: Base Backpackers – Base Backpackers is a reputation synonymous with funds journey in Australia. This hostel has shared rooms for beneath $35 an evening. Rooms are literally small cottages and overlook the reef proper on the water’s edge in Nelly Bay.
- Greatest Visitor Home for {Couples}: CStay in Picnic Bay – Among the best worth lodging choices for {couples} is Cstays in Picnic Bay. There are a number of twin rooms for lower than $65 per evening.

Crusing on Magnetic Island
I explored the Island on my two-month crusing journey from Mackay to the Daintree River. In case you’re considering trying out what we acquired as much as, or need concepts in your Magnetic Island itinerary, then make sure you take a look at the Crusing Log.
READ THE SAILING LOG: Crusing Log Week 7 – Magnetic Island

Extra Images of the Magnetic Island Ship Wreck
As promised, listed here are a number of the images I used to be in a position to snap of the SS Metropolis of Adelaide in Cockle Bay. Earlier than you head out to see the well-known Magnetic Island wreck, why not take a look at a few of my different guides to Maggie and better Queensland too?




