Countess Russell's Anchor
Gladstone
Joseph Banks Conservation Park
A short stroll to the anchor of the Countess Russell sailing ship that ran aground south of Agnes Water in 1873.
This moderately trafficked walk starts from the 1770 Headland carpark on Sir Raphael Cilento Drive in Seventeen Seventy.
The walk is short and flat along a graded path to the anchor of the ‘Countess Russell’ sailing ship, which ran aground on Wreck Rock Beach in Deepwater National Park, south of Agnes Water, in 1873.
The Countess Russell, which had originally come from London, carrying 348 migrants. During its four-month voyage to Keppel Bay in Yeppoon, six adults and 11 children died, including two children who were born on the ship.
An outbreak of typhoid claimed the lives of five more adults and three more children during the ship’s time anchored at Keppel Bay.
After deboarding the passengers, the ship sailed to Newcastle and load coal destined for the Dutch East Indies.
Shortly into this leg of the voyage, the ship experienced bad weather and ran aground on Wreck Point near Deepwater National Park. While the crew managed to swim to shore, the ship was lost.
It is also possible to walk a little further past the anchor for views down into the nearby rocky coves and out to the ocean. These paths are steeper and have loose rocks, so care is required.
Track: The track is a flat, well-maintained graded path and is well-signed and easy to follow.
Difficulty: The track is suitable for all fitness levels, including those in wheelchairs (some assistance may be required).
Direction: This is an out-and-back track that returns the way it came.
getting there
The trailhead is located at the 1770 Headland carpark on Sir Raphael Cilento Drive in Seventeen Seventy. It is approximately 6 hours drive north of Brisbane or 3 hours drive south of Rockhampton.
It is recommended to break up the drive to the park and consider the impact of fatigue on driving safety.
Parking is relatively ample but can get busy during peak periods.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.