The Great Ocean Road In Reverse

Melbourne

Australia

Type

Driving

Duration

1 - 3 days

Locations

Description

Shortly we'll turn left as we approach the breathtaking Loch Ard Gorge, one of Australia's most dramatic natural wonders. In March 1878, the Loch Ard, a large clipper ship, set sail from England, bound for Melbourne. On board were 54 passengers and crew, including 18-year-old Eva Carmichael, an Irish immigrant traveling with her family, and 19-year-old Tom Pearce, a young apprentice sailor. The journey was long but mostly uneventful until the ship neared the southern coast of Australia. As they approached the dangerous waters near Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, a thick fog settled over the area, severely reducing visibility. In the early hours of June 1, 1878, the Loch Ard struck a reef near Mutton Bird Island, not far from what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge. The ship was quickly overcome by waves, and in the chaos, most of the passengers and crew drowned. Only two people survived: Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael. Tom was thrown into the sea and managed to cling to an overturned lifeboat. After some time struggling in the cold water, he spotted Eva, who was barely clinging to debris and calling for help. Risking his own life, Tom paddled over and managed to pull her onto his makeshift raft. Eventually, they were washed ashore in a secluded, rugged cove now known as Loch Ard Gorge. Though exhausted and traumatized, Tom climbed out of the gorge in search of help. After several hours of trekking through rough terrain, he found a nearby homestead and raised the alarm. Rescuers brought Eva to safety, but sadly, none of her family members survived the wreck. Tom and Eva stayed together in the days following the tragedy, and their bond became the stuff of legend. Many romanticized their connection, imagining a love story between the young sailor and the beautiful survivor. However, after the incident, Eva returned to Ireland, and Tom went on to continue his life at sea. They remained friends but never became romantically involved, as popular lore often suggests.