Old Stock Route Wells

Statement of Significance

The sites associated with the northern Stock Route represent phases of stock movement from 1866 until the later twentieth century. Together they provide a linear transect of physical sites across the separate pastoral leases that once comprised the coastal hinterland of the Pilbara. They represent a past tradition, the sites of which lay largely abandoned.

Physical Description

The Stock Route extended across the Shire following a coastal route (see map). The route changed over time depending on types of water being accessed. The main accessible reminder of the Route, now abandoned, are the various reserves for holding and watering stock. At these, physical remains may include water tanks, troughs, fences and camping areas.

History

The establishment of a route for stock was critical for the stocking of pastoral leases, as this was often a requirement of the lease. Most stock originated from the Swan River settlements or from eastern states. As early as 1864 the government offered financial and other incentives for a route from Champion Bay to Nichol Bay, leading to E.T. Hooley’s successful expedition of 1866. With the establishment of an overland route, sheep pastoralism in the Northwest became a more healthy economic prospect. Hooley’s efforts were understandably lauded– the expedition took over three months and managed various hardships.

The stock route over time was a significant element in moving stock throughout the region. The route lay inland from the coast, crossing the various waterways that flow towards the coast. Over time reserves were established, ensuring access to reliable water from wells, and fenced areas to secure stock. The key responsibility was with the government, who constructed Government Wells along the route, starting with those along Hooley’s 1866 route.

The rise of trucking from the 1920s onwards saw reduced demand for overland stock routes, and with the reduction of pastoralism across the region the stock routes lay abandoned. Over time pastoral products could also be moved out of coastal ports, such as Port Hedland.

In 2013, the following wells on Karratha Station lease were described as being in working order: Pat’s Well (now a bore), McLeod’s Well, Black Hills Well and Prince Well. Edna Well and Walter Well were reportedly caved in and not in use. Government Well 51 was in good condition but not in use (Ion Heseltine, Manager of Karratha Station, pers. comm.).

Archaeology

The key reminders of the northern Stock Route are the watering places, characterised by tanks, troughs, windmills, and fencing. These replaced the earlier elements of stock routes, such as
waterholes and natural fords, which previously met the demands of the drovers.

Associated with these sites will be the remains of camps used by drovers over time. Most of these are derelict today. Key sites, however, preserve the story of the movement of overland stock. The physical record could lead to a study of the various elements of the stock route(s) over time, perhaps with some form of information for visitors.

The sites related to the stock route will vary greatly in condition and possible impacts. However, even sites seemingly of little significance will be an important part of the network of sites that constitute the stock route and as such should be preserved.

Examples of sites:
Hooley Camp 76, Mardie Pool
Government Well 51, Karratha Station

Integrity/Authenticity

Often tanks and remains of yards at watering reserves

Condition

Varies

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.