SS Platypus

Abandoned on the shores of Peel Island lies the SS Platypus. It’s not just a wreck, but a time capsule whispering tales of Queensland’s maritime past. The SS Platypus arrived in Brisbane in mid-1884. It wasn’t built here, but in Glasgow by Messrs. Simons and Co. This iron steamer, with its innovative bucket-ladder design, quickly became a vital part of Queensland’s coastal development. The SS Platypus dredged channels, helping to establish ports like Cairns, and played a crucial role in projects in Townsville, Normanton, Port Douglas, Thursday Island, and even here in Brisbane. It carved out channels, shaping the waterways we know today. Imagine the SS Platypus traversing the coast, its powerful engines churning, leaving a transformed landscape in its wake. One night, crossing Moreton Bay, the SS Platypus collided with the Tinana. Surprisingly, the damage was minimal, a testament to its sturdy construction. After 42 years of dedicated service, the SS Platypus was retired in December 1923. In October 1926, stripped of its valuable equipment, it was intentionally sunk at Peel Island. Its final role? A breakwater, protecting boats from the strong south-easterly winds. The SS Platypus, once a symbol of progress, found new purpose in its watery grave.