Entertainment
23 May, 2026
Gold heist book reveals links to city family
A NEW book examining Australia’s largest single act of theft has uncovered unexpected links to Far North Queensland history.
Author Paul W. Wright said his book ‘Piracy in the Bay: The Great Nelson Gold Robbery’ explores the 1852 piracy attack on the brig Nelson, when thieves stole an 8000-ounce gold consignment in Hobson’s Bay, Victoria.
Mr Wright described the robbery as “the greatest act of theft, singular act of theft ever to take place in Australia”.
“The value of it today is now 55 million, in excess of $55 million,” he said.
The former journalist and historian said the vessel was boarded by about 15 or 16 men who rowed out in stolen boats during the night before tying up crew members and escaping with the gold.
Mr Wright said his own family had a direct connection to the story, with the captain of the Nelson being his great-great-grandfather.
He spent about 50 years researching the robbery, drawing on maritime records, newspaper archives and family documents.
“I did massive research, massive research, over many, many years, thoroughly researched it,” he said.
The book also reveals a little-known connection to Cairns history through Henry Draper, one of the first men shot during the robbery. Mr Wright said Draper later recovered from his wounds and became connected to the founding family of the Cairns Post newspaper.
“His son became the father of Cairns,” he said. “Draper Street, Cairns, is named after him.”
Mr Wright said the chaos of the Victorian gold rush created conditions where piracy and crime could flourish.
“The police left their jobs and went out to go digging themselves,” he said. “There was no law, very little law and order, and it was just mayhem.”
The retired author, who also founded the butterfly farm at Kuranda, said one mystery remained unsolved. “I’d like to know who Mr Big was,” he said.
Buy the book at www.bit.ly/49WGNcd
