Maritime History

History

Ferries: indelibly connected with Phillip Island.

Since the island’s earliest days, crowds have gathered to watch Westernport’s ferries come into the Cowes jetty.

17 Mar 2022

History

A cautionary tale

This old photo shows most of the end “L” of the Cowes jetty back in the 1930’s. The gantry on the jetty was used to raise and lower a ramp for vehicles arriving on the car ferry “Killara” . . . according to the tides. The Killara was 146 feet...

16 Mar 2022

History

San Remo marriners opposed car ferry at Cowes pier

Two local and long time men of the sea who opposed the pier concept, wonder if nature will yet have the final say.

16 Mar 2022

History

A salute to past misfortunes

This week the Advertiser explores some of the fires, accidents, crimes, disasters and deaths that have pockmarked the island’s past.

17 Jan 2022

Maritime History

The finding of the S.S. Coramba

December 3, 1934 is remembered by Phillip Islanders (of the time) as the day of the Coramba storm. The coastal vessel of that name, under Captain John H Dowling, en route from Warrnamool to Melbourne, approached Port Phillip Heads when the storm was...

Annette Oswin

07 Jan 2022

Maritime History

On this day, 43 years ago

There were chaotic scenes off the Cowes pier in December 1978, as the Eagle Star ferry went down in 20 feet of water off the Cowes pier with 160 passengers on board.

30 Dec 2021