New Loch Ard Lantern Walk - for those seeking a night adventure!
A new lantern-lit walk through Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village will add an adventurous new dimension to Shipwrecked!, the famous state-of-the-art sound and laser experience that magically brings to life the tale of the Loch Ard, Victoria’s most infamous shipwreck.
Occurring every evening as a part of the show, the Loch Ard Lantern Walk takes visitors back to 1870s, guiding them by storm lantern through the darkened streets of the maritime village. The scene is perfect for their final destination of Shipwrecked! and real story behind the ship’s ill-fated voyage, and offers an alternate to the fully transported option.
The tragic journey of the Loch Ard continues to fascinate and inspire writers, artists and tourists alike. Making its way to Melbourne from England in 1878, the Loch Ard was caught in thick fog and drew dangerously close to the treacherous rocks and cliffs, and struck Mutton Bird Island near present day Port Campbell. Frantic efforts to save the 1700-tonne ship failed and she was dashed on to rocks and sank within 15 minutes. Out of the 54 people on board, only two survived, an apprentice, Tom Pearce and young woman passenger Eva Carmichael, who were both washed up on a nearby cove, now called Loch Ard Gorge.
The coast between Cape Otway and Port Fairy became Victoria’s most notorious stretches of coastline, with over 80 shipwrecks occurring during the period from the 1840s to the 1920s.
More information: www.flagstaffhill.com or call (03) 5559 4600 or 1800 556 111 (toll free)
Media contact: Peter Abbott on 0427820872 or email pabbott@warrnambool.vic.gov.au