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Wanda Beach: the mystery Australia can’t forget

January 28, 2026 / 00:50

This episode discusses the 1965 murders of teenagers Christine Sherik and Maryanne Schmidt at Krenella Beach, and the subsequent investigation.

On January 11, 1965, 15-year-olds Christine Sherik and Maryanne Schmidt spent the day at Krenella Beach with Maryanne's younger siblings. After lunch, they walked into the sand hills at Wonder Beach but did not return.

The following day, their bodies were discovered in the sand dunes, leading to a nationwide shock and one of the largest homicide investigations in Australian history.

Despite extensive inquiries, police were unable to identify the killer, leaving the case unsolved for decades.

The episode highlights the enduring mystery surrounding the case and its impact on the community.

TLDR

The episode covers the unsolved murders of Christine Sherik and Maryanne Schmidt in 1965 and the investigation that followed.

Episode

0:50
00:00:00
On January 11, 1965, 15year-olds Christine Sherik and Maryanne Schmidt spent the day at [music] Krenella Beach
00:00:08
with Maryanne's four younger siblings. After lunch, the two teenagers went for a walk into the nearby sand hills at
00:00:16
Wonder Beach, but never returned. The following day, their bodies were found in the sandunes. [music]
00:00:24
The murders shocked the nation, triggering one of the largest homicide investigations in Australian history.
00:00:32
Despite an exhaustive inquiry, police were unable to identify the killer. Decades on, the mystery remains.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 80
    Most shocking
  • 75
    Most heartbreaking
  • 70
    Most dramatic
  • 60
    Most intense

Episode Highlights

  • The Disappearance
    On January 11, 1965, two teenagers vanished after a walk at Wonder Beach.
    @ 00m 16s
    January 28, 2026
  • A Nation Shocked
    The murders of Christine Sherik and Maryanne Schmidt triggered a massive investigation.
    @ 00m 24s
    January 28, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • Decades on, the mystery remains.
    Wanda Beach: the mystery Australia can’t forget

Key Moments

  • Unsolved Case00:38
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