Sydney Cove Historic Site

The Sydney Cove Historic Site marks the location of the eighth oldest shipwreck in Australian waters, the Sydney Cove, which was lost at Preservation Island in the Furneaux Group on 9 February 1797 while en route from Calcutta to Port Jackson. The ship was damaged in heavy weather, prompting Captain Hamilton to run the vessel aground at a well-protected location in relatively shallow water. This strategic decision allowed the crew to salvage a significant portion of the ship's cargo in the weeks following the disaster.

The rescue operation was arduous. A longboat with 17 crew members set out for Port Jackson to seek help. After a challenging journey, three survivors reached Port Jackson, leading to the dispatch of two ships to Preservation Island to rescue the remaining crew and recover the salvaged cargo.

After extensive salvage operations immediately following the wreck, the vessel lay undisturbed for over 170 years until its rediscovery in 1977. Between 1977 and 1980, several site surveys were conducted, and a regular excavation program began in 1991 by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, with funding from the State and Federal governments. This program led to the uncovering and recording of the remains of the Sydney Cove's lower hull timbers and associated ship fittings, as well as the recovery of a large quantity of artefact material.

A display featuring artefacts from the site is available at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston. Visitors interested in the maritime heritage of Tasmania can explore this site to gain insights into early colonial maritime history and the challenges faced by early explorers and settlers.

For more information or inquiries, contact the Parks and Wildlife Service at GPO Box 1751, Hobart TAS 7001, or call 1300 TASPARKS (1300 827 727).