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In the era of the Batavia shipwreck and Mutiny in 1629, the Dutch Fleet Commander Pelsart actually landed at Port Gregory noting the safe harbour as did explorer Vlaming from the ship Geelvink. In the 1840's this area was explored by Grey and Gregory who encouraged settlement of the area after finding fresh water and lead. Consequently historic Lynton Station, Sandford House and Convict Hiring Stations were set up. Many ships were wrecked bringing supplies to the settlement and taking away lead, stone, timber, wool, whale blubber and salt. Famous old shipwrecks seen on the reef coming into Port Gregory by boat are; Mary Queen of Scots, SS Xantho, Favourite, Sara and Pilot all wrecked between 1855 - 1872. Residents of this area witnessed a huge gun battle at sea between HMAS Sydney and the raider Kormoron in November 1941. These wrecks have yet to be found. Another little known fact is that the Port Gregory fish cannery was shelled by a Japanese submarine from sea in 1943 as they thought it was an ammunition factory. The craters are still visible. In 1992 one of Australia's biggest drug busts foiled an international dealer on a yacht entering Port Gregory. |
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