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D'Estrees Bay Self Guided Drive

D'Estree Bay Self Guided Drive

Stop 1- Second Boat Ramp
Stop 2- Wrights Ruin
Stop 3- Osmanli Reef
Stop 4- Point Tinline
Stop 5- Wreckers Beach
Stop 6- Old Threshing Floor and Tadpole Cove
Stop 7- Weatons Beach
Stop 8- The Sewer

Stop 3 - Osmanli Reef

Just before midnight on 25 November 1853 the Osmanli, an iron-screw steamer en route to Port Adelaide, struck this reef with great force. The 48 Passengers and 35 crew members made it safely to shore where they spent a cold night on the beach before building a makeshift camp the following day.

Two days later in heavy seas, Chief Officer Mr Gooch and a party of volunteers set off in a lifeboat for Port Adelaide. Just after sundown they arrived at Cape Willoughby Lightstation, where they oganised food and water to be sent to the stranded survivors. The lifeboat then continued across Backstairs Passage, where it met with the Tamar, a schooner that towed the small boat to Port Adelaide.

While the lifeboat was away, Mr Nathaniel Walls (Nat) Thomas and Betty, a Tasmanian Aboriginal woman, both from Hog Bay, carried fresh provisions to the shipwreck survivors. Betty also located a freshwater soak nearby, greatly enhancing the shipwreck victims chances of survival.

During the first days following the disaster, the wreck was visited several times to salvage provisions and clothing. Gold bars belonging to a passenger were never found, however, and although some of the crew were accused and tried, they were later released due to lack of evidence. The Osmanli was auctioned in Adelaide for £230 but the wreck was destroyed in heavy seas before a successful salvage could be completed. The government schooner Yatala was dispatched to aid the survivors arriving on 1 December 1853.

The captain and crew of the Osmanli were adamant that the Cape Willoughby light was not visible on the night of the wreck. On several occasions in the first few years if operation it was reported that the light was not visible. This was attributed to the quality of the oil used. which caused excessive smoking, reducing the efficiency of the lamp.

The reef directly in front of the lookout is now known as Osmanli Reef.


For further information on the Kangaroo Island Shipwreck Trail please refer to the following link- http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/our-places/Heritage/Visiting_heritage_places/Shipwreck_trails/Kangaroo_Island

Friends of Cape Gantheaume Activities

Close to the lookout is a very old campsite that was commonly used by locals for many many years. There is a large amount of glass scattered around the area. The Friends of Cape Gantheaume often spend short periods of time collecting this glass at working bees at D’Estrees Bay.