Jervois Basin Ships Graveyard
Jervois Basin, in the upper reaches of the Port River, was the major ship-breaking site in Port Adelaide between the early 1900s and the late 1960s. Vessels salvaged in this area included large and small wooden and iron sailing ships, steamers and tugs. Many of these vessels were built for coastal or River Murray waters, but a few were international traders which ended their days as hulks in Port Adelaide or were scrapped when they were no longer viable.
Little physical evidence remains of the many vessels broken up in this Basin. Most were dismantled completely, with agreements made between salvagers and harbour authorities that the sites would be completely cleared. A list of such vessels includes the barques Candida (1875) and Cumbrian (1879); the Murray River paddlers Goolwa (1866) and Alexandra (1882); tugs George Dinsdale (1911) and Uraidla (1902); coastal steamers Karatta (1907), Kopoola, Warrawee (1909) and Wookata (1909); and the ship Loch Tay (1869).
Wooden and some iron wreckage is evident however, on the western bank, mostly within an area known as the Log Pool. The remains of four vessels have been identified - the wooden ketch Alert and four-masted schooner Fides, the composite paddle steamer Trafalgar and a former fish market pontoon. Another unidentified wooden pontoon, wooden planking, iron plating and other structural material have also been found. It is likely that reclamation and redevelopment activities within the area may have covered other vessel remains, including that of the historically significant wooden ship Fitzjames (1852), which became a floating reformatory at Largs Bay.
Pick up the Port Adelaide Ships' Graveyards brochure from the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre, 66 Commerical Road, Port Adelaide. For more information visit the Heritage South Australia web site or contact South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre on 1300 655 276.
Today the vessel remains are uncovered on the mudflats at low tide and are accessible from the shore. The graveyard is adjacent to a small park and viewing area, while a boardwalk through the nearby mangroves overlooks the site.
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