Artificial island on a shipwreck – City of Adelaide in Cockle Bay

In Cockle Bay on Magnetic Island, just 300 meters from the shore, lies a remarkable place where history intertwines with nature. The sunken hull of the steamer City of Adelaide, ravaged by fire in 1912, has over time transformed into an artificial island. Mangroves have grown over its structure, and birds have found shelter here, creating a unique ecosystem. It is a fascinating example of how a shipwreck can become something more than just a relic of the past.

City of Adelaide, how a steamer became an island full of life

The SS City of Adelaide was built in 1863 in Glasgow for transoceanic voyages. Initially serving as a passenger ship, it regularly sailed between the United Kingdom and Australia, transporting people and goods in an era when maritime routes were the main arteries of the world. In 1890, its purpose changed – it was converted into a four-masted cargo barque, adapted to the maritime trade needs of the time. When its best years had passed by the early 20th century, it was turned into a coal hulk in the port of Townsville – a floating storage unit supporting the growing industry.

Everything changed with the fire in 1912, which left only a charred skeleton. In 1916, during towing to Magnetic Island – where it was supposed to serve as a breakwater in Picnic Bay – the shipwreck ran aground in Cockle Bay. That’s when nature took over – the wreck gradually became overgrown with mangroves, becoming a natural refuge for birds such as herons. In the 1920s, island residents incorporated it into daily life – it served as a changing room for swimmers and a site for oyster harvesting.

Artificial island on a wreck

Magnetic Island, affectionately called “Maggie” by locals, is located 8 km from Townsville in Queensland – just a 20-minute ferry ride away. The wreck of the City of Adelaide in Cockle Bay is visible from the shore, and during low tide it is possible to walk to it from Picnic Bay. It is most beautiful at sunset – the ship’s silhouette stands out against the sky, and the mangroves cast shadows over the calm water.

This spot offers a unique experience for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Drones flying above the bay often capture a surreal image – a ship that looks like an island, surrounded by turquoise water and a tropical landscape. It is worth remembering, however, that the wreck is protected as part of Australia’s maritime heritage – interfering with its structure or removing fragments is prohibited.

Magnetic Island – more than one wreck

The City of Adelaide is just part of a larger story – there are over 20 sunken ships around Magnetic Island, each with its own history. Wrecks like the Moltke in Geoffrey Bay attract divers, offering an underwater world full of corals and diverse fish species. Others, such as the George Rennie in Picnic Bay, become visible from the beach during low tide, allowing for admiration without having to dive.

Some were deliberately sunk to protect the shoreline, while others were defeated by nature – such as Cyclone Althea in 1971, which also took its toll on the City of Adelaide. But the island is more than just nearby wrecks. A national park covers 54 percent of its area – home to koalas, rock wallabies, and many bird species. Beaches like Horseshoe Bay amaze with white sand, while trails like Forts Walk lead through hills with beautiful views.

A battle with nature and time – the future of the City of Adelaide wreck

A hundred years aground is a long time, and yet the City of Adelaide still endures – though its fate is uncertain. Mangroves and birds have given it a new face, turning rust into a living island. But the waves, wind, and Queensland cyclones are doing their work – with each season, something disappears. Experts like Zanita Davies from the Magnetic Museum point out that the wreck is blending more and more with the mangroves and fading from view from the mainland. It is both beautiful and sad – nature is taking it over completely – slowly but inevitably.

main photo: Andy Green / Instagram