SITE PARTNER: 

Gayundah Ship Wreck

Woody Point

Updated: Mar 08, 2025

It’s hard to believe the rusty hulk at the foot of the cliffs of Woody Point was in the 19th century the Navy’s proud premier warship. As one of the newly established Australian Navy’s first ships, a flat-iron gunboat Gayundah was built in Newcastle-on-Tyne in the 1884 at the behest of the Queensland Maritime Defence Force, commissioned to protect the many bays, inlets and estuaries along the east coast from the enemy-of-the-day which at the time was believed to be the Russians.

By 1886 it had been acquired by the fledgling Australian Navy as one of its ten ships. In its short lived defence career the ship never encountered the enemy, although other achievements included the first warship in Australia to use wireless telegraphy.

Up until the end of World War I she was used as a mine sweeper and sea tender ship and by 1919 had been decommissioned, sold to civilians and was thereby stripped and demoted to a gravel barge.

By 1957-8 she was retired and towed to the base of these cliffs where she has since acted as a breakwater, protecting the shore not from the enemy but from erosion.

 

Gayundah   

Gayundah Esplanade

Woody Point

Map

Gayundah Esplanade, Woody Point, Queensland

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Tell Camerata your eternal memory and they’ll match music that speaks to your stories
Queensland’s biggest, brightest and best-loved fun run is back!
Two composers grapple with terror and turmoil of the 20th century
Lime Cordiale announce an epic live concert experience with Queensland Symphony Orchestra!
Discover the wonderful world of handmade glass art
The smash-hit new musical The Lucky Country is heading to Powerhouse this October.
Camerata unites with one of Australia’s newest Brisbane-based choirs
Scenic Rim Farm Gate Market return to the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct.
Alan Davies announces his return to Australia with brand new show 'Think Ahead'!
La Boite's new high octane comedy
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT