Balla Balla Landing (Ruins)

Statement of Significance

The Balla Balla Landing site is strongly associated with the development of mining and farming in the region – it was used for the import and export of goods from the surrounding stations and the Whim Creek mine. It therefore played a significant role in the history of early development of the area. Although there are no standing building remains at the site, there is considerable research potential for archaeological (subsurface) remains associated with its historic past, as well as for maritime archaeological sites in the port.

Physical Description

The Balla Balla Landing consists of a landing (on the site of a jetty), a causeway and the remains of a townsite. The landing is situated on the Balla Balla River, a 30km long river which rises near Whim Creek and flows into the ocean near Depuch Island on the Pilbara coast. The landing is on the southern side of the river, 3 km from the river mouth. The landing is located on a coastal mud and sand plain and is connected by a 2 km long causeway of rubble construction, mounted with a dirt road replacing the earlier railway.
The Balla Balla townsite is located on the low ridge immediately overlooking the coastal plain. The remains of the town are reduced to a surface deposit of artefacts and shell remains.
A small gravesite is located at the townsite, with one marked grave.

History

The period from 1895-1900 saw great activity in the construction of northern ports. One such port created during this period was the port at Balla Balla.1 The name Balla Balla was first recorded by surveyor John Forrest in 1878 and is an Aboriginal name, probably from ‘Parla’, the Kariyarra language word for mud.2 The Balla Balla port was established as the port for the area and was gazetted as a townsite in 1898. A listing in the West Australian newspaper mentions work being undertaken at the Balla Balla jetty and approaches proposed for the tax year 1897-8.3
At its peak the port supported two hotels, a blacksmith, a police station, a horse track and a Post and Telegraph building. The port was used for the export of livestock and wool from surrounding stations and as the rail head and port for Whim Creek mines. A single track narrow gauge railway ran for 20 km from Whim Creek mines to the jetty at Balla Balla. In the early days sails were attached to the loaded rail wagons to aid the journey to the port. The jetty was used until the decline of the copper mine in the 1930s and was later destroyed by a cyclone in 1956.
A small graveyard halfway across the causeway bears testament to the danger of shipping from the port. Five burials were victims of the Crown of England which sank March 22 1912. Another died on the schooner Merlin, and another drowned at the port.
The site is described by the Protector of Aborigines as having a rations station.

Archaeology

There is considerable potential for archaeological remains to exist at Balla Balla landing, in addition to those described here. The site saw intensive use over a considerable period of time and it is likely that subsurface remains associated with the occupation and operations of the port and townsite exist within the area. These may include evidence of the buildings, railway and jetty which were once present at the site, as well as smaller artefacts related to the construction and use of the site. In addition, the port will reveal remains of shipping activities such as ballast mounds, possible shipwrecks and abandoned craft, and boating infrastructure.
Townsite: the townsite is characterised by late 19th and early 20th century historical materials, including glass bottles, matchboxes, clothing buckles, and metal cans. The main evidence for buildings is several metal clamps used to secure the footings; these suggest a metal clad building with floor area measuring 15 m by 20 m. A concentration of rubble on the northern side of the track suggests another building ruin.
Aboriginal archaeology: There are two Registered Aboriginal Sites in the immediate vicinity: DAA Site ID 940 ‘Balla Balla Causeway’ and DAA site ID 7827 ‘Balla Pool Scatter’. There is a range of archaeological material at the townsite, including shells such as baler, oyster and anadara. The shell material forms a deposit and may result from natural as well as human processes. There are flaked stone artefacts of quartz and silcrete. Additionally, there is clearly historical flaking of olive bottle bases to form typical base flakes.

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains of jetty; townsite comprises an archaeological surface scatter. Causeway intact. Degree of original fabric not determined.

Condition

Boat ramp and causeway in use. Townsite an archaeological site.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.