Star of Greece Shipwreck: Port Willunga

in teamaustralia •  7 years ago 

Here at Explore Adelaide, we don’t stick to only exploring on land. Recently we’ve taken a liking to snorkeling around some of South Australia’s beautiful beaches and marine parks.

A few weeks ago we met up with the Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries team to check out The Star of Greece Shipwreck.

The History

Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia: PRG1373/16/70
The Star of Greece was a full-rigged iron ship built in Belfast in 1868, weighing 1227 tons and measuring 84 metres long. After 20 years of service, during a violent storm in July 1888, The Star of Greece ran aground and wrecked just north of Lions Head Point.

2018 marks the 130th anniversary of when The Star of Greece was driven ashore. When you’re under the water swimming through the old ship and seeing how it’s changed over the past 130 years, it truly is an amazing sight to see.

While the wreck is only a short distance from the shore, many still drowned when the ship went down due to the rough seas.

More information is available near The Star of Greece cafe at the top of the car park. You’ll find signs which will give you information on the location and history of the shipwreck.

The Snorkeling

If you head out to the wreck during low tide, you will see the tip of the bow sticking up out of the water. With the shipwreck only two hundred metres away from the shore, it’s fairly easy for snorkelers to access.

As you make your way through the wreck you’ll see a wide range of fish and other marine life. Getting a glimpse of the underwater habitat they’ve made amongst the wreck is breath-taking. It’s amazing how a tragedy from so long ago has turned into something so beautiful.

Guided Tours

If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, or if you aren’t confident enough to go out on your own, don’t worry. If you follow EMS – Experience Marine Sanctuaries team on Facebook, you’ll get to see their guided snorkel events.

While the EMS do snorkel tours all over the coast, they quite frequently visit The Star of Greece Shipwreck. They have different sessions based on snorkeling experience, and equipment is available for use as well, so no need to buy your own. The tours are very reasonably priced, and an amazing experience. Be warned, if you do this you will likely want to go out and buy your own snorkeling gear.

So if you’re looking for an adventure, then we highly recommend The Star of Greece Shipwreck at Port Willunga. It’s a truly amazing experience.


If you know of any other underwater wonderlands that you think we should check out, tell us all about them! Snorkeling is something we have taken a liking to, so any new locations for us to explore would be great.


Star of Greece Shipwreck: Port Willunga - Explore Adelaide


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The Titanic was built in Belfast too! There seems to be a pattern forming...🤔

Both built by Harland & Wolff ltd, both wrecked, and both snapped in half :o