The Mimosa was a coastal paddle steamer operated by the Illawarra Steam Navigation Company and was an important link between Sydney and communities along the NSW South Coast during the mid nineteenth century.

On 18 September 1863, while travelling north from Merimbula to Sydney, Mimosa struck an uncharted offshore rock near present-day Mimosa Rocks National Park. Although Captain Keft attempted to beach the vessel, water flooded the hull and the steamer sank in 15 metres of water less than a kilometre from shore. Most passengers and crew escaped in the ship’s boats, but two passengers, Mr and Mrs Ivell, lost their lives.

The wreck site is historically important as one of the earliest paddle steamship wrecks identified on the NSW South Coast and contains one of the earliest known marine engines located in New South Wales waters.

Photo and model credits Damien S, Scott W, Ben M, Dean C and Grant T.