For the first time in years, shifting sands at Dicky Beach have unearthed the remains of the 132-year-old SS Dicky shipwreck, a long-lost relic that was buried beneath the beach. The recent impact of Cyclone Alfred has reshaped the coastline, revealing a rare glimpse of history before it disappears once again.
132-Year-Old Shipwreck Re-Emerges at Dicky Beach
A century-old Queensland sea-faring secret has surfaced at Sunshine Coast’s Dicky Beach, revealing the wreckage of steamship SS Dicky, which ran aground 132 years ago. Cyclone-borne sand dunes exposed remnants of wreckage, providing people with a rare chance to view the ship that lay hidden beneath the beach for decades.
A Storm That Reshaped the Shoreline
The SS Dicky was lost in 1893 when rough seas sent it onto the beach during a cyclone. While the crew were safe, the vessel remained stranded and later abandoned. Over the years, the wreck had become a regular local landmark, and the beach itself was eventually named Dicky Beach after the vessel. Safety concerns, however, led to the Sunshine Coast Council removing most of the remains in 2015, with only pieces still buried under sand.
The recent cyclonic weather, brought by Cyclone Alfred, has shifted the coastline, bringing the wreck to the surface for the first time in years. Locals and history enthusiasts alike have descended upon the location, photographing the newly exposed building and sharing their delight on social media.
A Community’s Connection to History
The SS Dicky has been a part of the Sunshine Coast’s identity for decades, and its return has sparked controversy over the region’s rich maritime history. The Sunshine Coast Council had already preserved sections of the ship to be displayed in parks and museums, so future generations could learn from its past.
Though the unexpected disclosure of the wreck is exciting to locals, authorities are warning against it. The building is fragile, and authorities advise people to stay away and see it from a distance. More of the wreck could either be exposed or buried again by erosion and future climate changes in coming weeks.
A Rare Glimpse Before the Sands Shift Again
For the moment, Dicky Beach residents and tourists have a unique opportunity to view a little piece of history lying under their feet. With the tides still changing, the wreck may disappear once more into the constantly shifting sands. For all who want to catch a glimpse of what remains of the SS Dicky, now is the time before it is once again reclaimed by nature.
Published 11-March-2025