The 398 ton, 47 metre Oakland was a single screw steamer that sank near the entrance to Port Stephens in May 1903. Eleven lives were lost when the steamer succumbed to a severe gale. Of the eighteen crew and one passenger, only seven survived the ordeal. One of those who died was the ship's Master, Captain Slater.
The Oakland had been on a voyage from Newcastle to the Clarence River with a cargo of stone blocks and coal. The wreck was sold to Captain Weston of Balmain who salvaged cargo and fittings. The Oakland had been fitted with four tanks to carry molasses. Captain Weston had plans to refloat the ship by pumping air into these tanks however no record has been found to determine whether this was attempted.
Today the remains of the Oakland are a popular dive site. The wreck lies off the north head of Port Stephens in 28 metres of water just north of Cabbage Tree Island (John Gould Reserve).
