The iron drogher, Iluka, lies abandoned against a mangrove bank directly opposite the township of Tea Gardens. A vessel named Iluka was built at Blues Point in Sydney in 1879 and fitted out as a paddle steamer. The 128-ton Iluka had a length of 36 metres and was propelled by two vertical surface condensing engines generating 50 horse power. At the time the Register was closed in 1911, the Iluka was owned by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company in 1880. The vessel was then dismantled and converted into a lighter.
The Iluka was used to haul logs out of Boolambayte Creek and the bulkheads were removed to allow their stowage inside the hull. The vessel was also used to tow hulks loaded with timber to ocean-going steamers in Port Stephens.
The Iluka was apparently appropriated by American forces during the war but was returned as unsuitable and under the ownership of Messrs G A Engel and Sons Pty. Ltd., was refitted for their further use.
In the 1970's when the price of steel rose, the wreck of the Iluka was partially scrapped for its iron plating.
