We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land.
We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written
or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
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The SS Nairana was launched 1915 by William Denny & Brothers in Dumbarton Scotland the 3,402 ton steamer was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and served during WW1. In 1922 she was transferred to Tasmanian Steamers and, apart from again being requisitioned for war service in WW2, was used as a Bass Strait ferry until 1948. The Nairana was blown ashore onto Port Melbourne beach during a severe gale on 19 February 1951. After salvage what remained of the wreck was blown up in 1954.
Physical description
B & W aerial photograph of SS Nairana and Port Melbourne foreshore. Ship's outline can be seen on far right side of photograp.
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands
where we live, learn and work.
