The SS Maheno was a 5,000-tonne ocean liner that met its end on 75 Mile Beach in a 1935 cyclone, while being towed to Japan to be broken up for scrap — the towline parted and she drifted onto the sand, where she’s remained ever since.
Before that, she had a remarkable earlier life: during the First World War, the Maheno served as a hospital ship, treating wounded soldiers. Her 122-metre hull now lies half-buried, rusted into ghostly shapes by nearly ninety years of wind and waves.
It’s a genuinely striking sight — but please don’t climb on it; it’s fragile, and the site carries safety hazards including old unexploded ordnance.
Be sure to check out the massive, award-winning photo of the Maheno with the stars in the background, hanging on the wall on Level 2 of Orchid Blue Holiday House — a great preview before you see the real thing.
The wreck sits about 90 km south of Orchid Blue — roughly a 1 hour 45 minute 4WD drive. Our Complete Guide to the Maheno Shipwreck has the full directions.