Apollo Bay - SS Casino Wreck

The SS Casino is one of Apollo Bay's most famous maritime stories. For nearly 50 years, the coastal steamer carried passengers, livestock, mail and cargo between Melbourne and ports along Victoria's south-west coast, completing an estimated 2,500 voyages. Built in Dundee, Scotland, in 1882, the vessel became a lifeline for coastal communities before the Great Ocean Road was completed.

On 10 July 1932, the SS Casino attempted to berth at the Apollo Bay jetty during heavy seas and a strong south-easterly gale. The ship struck the bottom several times, suffered serious damage and began taking on water. An attempt was made to beach the vessel, but it capsized approximately 400 metres offshore. Ten people, including Captain John Middleton, lost their lives in the disaster.

The wreck lies in about 9 metres of water off the northern end of Apollo Bay and has become a popular dive site. The wreck itself cannot be seen from shore under normal conditions.

Visitors can, however, see several memorials:

The SS Casino Anchor Memorial outside the old post office in Apollo Bay.
Interpretive displays explaining the sinking.
The ship's wheel is displayed at the Apollo Bay Hotel.
The propeller and bell are preserved in Port Fairy as part of memorial displays.