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All Australia Queenscliff The Wreck Bell
AO Edited

The Wreck Bell

This bell was once used to summon rescue crews when ships fell victim to the treacherous waterways.

Queenscliff, Australia

Added By
Gavin
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Sign on the Wreck Bell.   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Sign on the Wreck Bell.   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Wreck Bell   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Details on the bell.   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Wreck Bell   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Lifeboat shed and slipway to house and launch the craft located behind the old ferry terminal.   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Shed and slipway to house and launch the craft.   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
Wreck Bell looking west towards the park.   Gavin / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The entrance into Melbourne's Port Phillip bay between Point Nepean and Point Lonsdale is one of the most dangerous passages of water in the world. The distance between the two headlands is a little over a mile, with reefs that project from either side leaving only a small navigable channel for boats to pass through.

The Wreck Bell was established by the Ports and Harbors Branch to summon the crew of the Queenscliff lifeboat located a short distance away at the Queenscliff pier. There they could launch a craft in the event of a maritime disaster.

The bell was cast by John Danks & Son, Melbourne in 1891 along with the supporting wooden structure. It was erected close to the residences of the local fishermen, who generally formed the crew of the lifeboat.

The last time the Wreck Bell was used was in 1974 when the rescue crew was called out to a fire on the vessel Brisbane Trader.

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Water History & Culture Bells

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Located at the corner of Gellibrand and Wharf Streets, Queenscliff.

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Gavin

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August 15, 2022

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The Wreck Bell
Queenscliff, 3225
Australia
-38.265269, 144.664186

Nearby Places

HMVS Victoria Swivel Link

Queenscliff, Australia

miles away

Buckley's Cave

Point Lonsdale, Australia

miles away

Cheviot Beach

Portsea, Australia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Queenscliff

Queenscliff

Australia

Places 2

Nearby Places

HMVS Victoria Swivel Link

Queenscliff, Australia

miles away

Buckley's Cave

Point Lonsdale, Australia

miles away

Cheviot Beach

Portsea, Australia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Queenscliff

Queenscliff

Australia

Places 2

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