Ruins of Victoria Settlement reveal challenges of early Australian settlers

Victoria Settlement, established in 1838 on the remote Cobourg Peninsula, aimed to defend Australia from potential invasions. Settlers faced extreme conditions, including famine and disease, leading to the settlement's abandonment after 11 years. The site, once envisioned as a thriving community, now features only ruins, including crumbling buildings and a cemetery. Many settlers suffered from illnesses like malaria, and a cyclone devastated the area, resulting in multiple deaths. Today, the remnants of Victoria Settlement serve as a historical reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers in Australia. Tours to the site are available, highlighting its harsh realities and the settlers' struggles.