Welcome to the Lochard, a Glasgow Shipping Co merchant trading ship. This is your first and final boarding call. Please come this way and watch your step.
This was the greeting for tourists embarking on the Shipwrecked! sound and light show at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool.
Source: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
It was dusk and drizzly, perfect to set the scene. We were given lanterns to help us make our way down the cobblestone paths to the Lochard. We stopped occasionally under the shelter of the historic shop verandas. We were told of the cargo that had been boarded, the dangers of the waters to be travelled and the safety of the trip.
Once seated, we were shown a historical audiovisual and given a good sense of the excitement and trepidation that the passengers and crew must have felt. I enjoyed it but the children were restless. The authentic context made it easy to could imagine life during that era.
Source: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
The screen was then retracted and we were overlooking water. Beyond that lights were on in the shops, smoke bellowed from the chimney and conversations and music could be heard coming from the pub.
Our chairs were creaking and swaying like we were aboard the Lochard. A large sheet of water appeared and then the
sound and light show really began. The 3D projection told the tale of the crew and passengers as they headed for Australia. After such a long and treacherous journey the ship sunk in just 30 minutes only hours from its destination. Only one passenger (Eva Carmichael) and one crew member (Tom Pearce) survived as well as the famous statue peacock, Australia's most famous shipwreck relic.
Eva owed her life to Tom's heroic acts. It seemed they were bound to marry, after all he had seen her in her night gear, but it was not to be. They both went their separate ways and had three children each.
I was surprised how much interest this evoked. I wanted to know more about these characters and how they survived the loss of their families and mates. I had chosen not to visit the museum during the day because I thought the 8year old would be bored but now I regret that decision.
Source: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
I absolutely loved the light and sound show but I thought the dinner and show pack was too expensive, especially for the children. The museum, night and show packages were perhaps a better deal. You can also see just the show.
Prices are from $40 - $80 per head.
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is set on 10 acres. It recreates a pioneer settlement of an 1870 coastal village. It is the winner of various Victorian tourism awards and is located in the heart of Warrnambool. It is certainly worth the voyage.
