The Maheno lies beached on the Island, another 3km further north of Eli Creek.

The Maheno, while now a pile of rusted metal, has had a fascinating history. It was originally an old passenger ship that travelled between Australian and NZ. During WWI, it was converted to a hospital ship, and among its outstanding achievements, it did several retrieval missions to Gallipoli.

It had been decommissioned and was being towed to Japan for scrap metal in 1935 when it hit a cyclone, broke the tow line, and ended up beached on Fraser Island. It remained proud on the beach for many years, until it was used for bombing practice in WW11 when its back was broken. The Fraser Island Retreat at Happy Valley also has a good display of Maheno information and memorabilia.

For a ship that has spent the last 85 years being weathered by the ocean, it has lasted well.