Maheno Shipwreck, Fraser Island: Location, history & visiting safely

The Maheno was being towed up the Queensland coast in 1935. It came loose in a cyclone, and the Maheno Shipwreck has stayed on Fraser Island’s 75 Mile Beach since.

Along with Lake McKenzie, the Maheno shipwreck is one of the most photographed sights on Fraser Island. This is partly because the notorious Fraser Island shipwreck just looks evocative, but mainly because most visitors to Fraser Island drive past it along 75 Mile Beach.

The Maheno Shipwreck on 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island, Queensland — The Maheno Shipwreck is a much-photographed sight on 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island, Queensland. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

The beach is the main highway on the world’s largest sand island, which has long been a favourite with backpackers and adventurous four wheel drivers. While driving along it, you might see breaching whales off the coast, helicopters landing and wandering dingoes. But the Maheno shipwreck has been an ever-present, just past Eli Creek on 75 Mile Beach since 1935.

Pick the best K’gari/ Fraser Island tour for you

HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE: One day coach tour from Hervey Bay.
FROM THE SOUTH: One day 4WD tour from Rainbow Beach.
PACK MORE IN: Two day tour, staying at K’gari Beach Resort.
BEACHY: Boat cruise with west coast beach stops.
BACKPACKERS: Three day, drive-yourself camping adventure from Hervey Bay. Or similar from Rainbow Beach.
MORE LUXURIOUS: Three day adventure, staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort.

History of the SS Maheno

The SS Maheno was a turbine-driven steamer, built in 1905. Owned by the Union Company of Dunedin, New Zealand, it was used on routes around Australia and New Zealand, while also making the occasional trip to Canada.

During World War I, the Maheno was used as a hospital ship. But by 1935, it wasn’t in a great shape, and had been sold to Japan for scrap metal.

Book mobile-friendly tickets for your one-day Fraser Island tour here.

When did the Maheno crash?

But it had to get to Japan first, and on 7^th July 1935, it was being towed up the Queensland coast towards Osaka. That’s when a cyclone struck, and the towline gave way. The Maheno, with a skeleton crew of eight and its rudder removed, was at the mercy of the elements.

As the storm subsided, the Maheno washed ashore on the dangerous beach at Fraser Island. The crew members were rescued five days later, but the ship stayed on the beach. It couldn’t be refloated, and it was left as a wreck.

Is it safe to visit the Maheno shipwreck?

The Queensland Government’s Parks and Forests department prohibits getting within three metres of the Maheno shipwreck without a permit or written approval. Warning signs placed nearby say: “The shipwreck remains are collapsing. Sharp, rusty metal is hidden in the surrounding sand. Surging waves and metal fragments pose a serious health risk to visitors.”

That doesn’t stop some visitors attempting to climb on it. But more sensible Fraser Island adventurers coming from Brisbane to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach keep their distance and just take photos.

Book these 8 Hervey Bay experiences now

1. Great Sandy Strait wildlife cruise – with a great chance of spotting dingos or dugongs.
2. All-inclusive Fraser Island day tour – with pick-up at your accommodation.
3. Fraser Island two day tour – see much more.
4. Fun cruise – get close to dolphins and turtles while lounging in the boom netting.
5. Sunset cruise.
6. Dolphin sailing adventure.
7. Whale-watching – this is arguably the best place in Australia to spot humpback whales.
8. Fraser Island west coast cruise – with lunch & kayaking.