Brian Cooperwaite was astounded to learn of the fate of the Australis, that such a beautiful ship could be reduced to half a rusting hulk. He and his wife sailed on her when they migrated to Australia, leaving Southampton in mid September and arriving in Melbourne October 1968. During this time they celebrated their first wedding anniversary aboard the S. S. Australis.

Due to the closure of the Suez canal the ship stopped at Gibralter, Capetown (South Africa) and Freemantle (Western Australia). Brian can remember a lot about the ship, for example they had their own cabin. One evening they were invited to join the captain at a cocktail party, and then sit at his table for dinner. They shared a table for meals with two young nurses, who were travelling to Adelaide. Brian took a lot of photos(colour slides)on the trip. Below are a selection of 19, which he has sent in order to add to the Picture Gallery.

This page was designed by: Ken Ironside.

Due to a huge volume of questions I am asked, for which often I do not have the information, I have decided to ask that only ex-crew actually write to me please. I am delighted with everyones contributions, and will occasionally update the Australis web site, using photos/stories etc sent to me. However I cannot answer any more questions. Thankyou for your sustained interest in the SS Australis Homepage. Please e-mail me on this link: Contact.