Shipwrecks in Port Phillip Bay - an RGYC Cruising Dinner

Join us for a captivating evening at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club as we dive into the hidden world of Port Phillip Bay’s shallow water shipwrecks and how you can visit them, with insights from special guest speaker Danielle Wilkinson, Senior Maritime Archaeologist at Heritage Victoria and President of the Australasian Institute of Maritime Archaeology.

Shipwrecks in Port Phillip Bay - An RGYC Cruising Dinner

📅 Date: Thursday 31 July 2025
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start
📍 Location: West Lounge, Royal Geelong Yacht Club
🎟️ Tickets: $40 per person

Open to all sailors and interested parties within Port Phillip and Corio Bay.

Includes:

• One-course dinner with your option of stuffed chicken breast or grilled barramundi

  • Grilled Barramundi, green beans, trussed cherry tomatoes, pearl couscous & citrus caper butter sauce

    OR

  • Leek & pistachio stuffed chicken breast, garlic roasted kipfler potatoes, house salad, and pan juice reduction

• Guest speaker presentation by Danielle Wilkinson

Tickets are essential: please book and RSVP by 5pm, Thursday July 24th.

What Can You See? Shallow Water Shipwrecks in Port Phillip Bay

It’s no surprise that Port Phillip Bay, especially around the Heads, has always been a dangerous place for ships. Over 120 shipwrecks across the bay highlight its treacherous nature. These historic wrecks now form a valuable resource, offering a unique lens into shipping and life in Victoria over time.

Recording, conserving, protecting, and managing these sites presents ongoing challenges. We aim to care for often fragile heritage materials while also promoting information and access for respectful visitors.

Many of these shipwrecks can be reached by boat, snorkeller or diver, providing a rare opportunity to come face-to-face with centuries of maritime history (and perhaps a fish or two). Not only can you visit these sites, but you can help protect them for future generations, if you “take only photos and leave only bubbles.”

Join us in a conversation about some of the shallow water shipwrecks in Port Phillip Bay, including Evion, HMVS Cerberus, Dominion, Empress of the Sea and Hurricane, and Wauchope.

Guest Speaker - Ms Danielle Wilkinson
Senior Maritime Archaeologist, Heritage Victoria
President, Australasian Institute for Maritime Archaeology (AIMA)

Danielle has a deep passion for historic shipwrecks. Her interest began as an undergraduate volunteer at the Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum, which led her to complete a Master’s degree in Maritime Archaeology at Flinders University in South Australia.

She has worked as a maritime archaeology consultant across NSW, QLD, VIC, NT, and WA before heading to the UK to manage projects, mainly offshore wind farm assessments. Now back in Australia, Danielle leads Heritage Victoria’s team responsible for more than 660 shipwrecks and other underwater heritage sites across the state.