Afghan Camp Sites

Statement of Significance

Historic Value – Importance for close associations with individuals whose life, works or activities have been significant within the history of the locality.
Social Value – Importance as a place highly valued by the community or cultural group for reasons of social, cultural, religious, spiritual or education associations. The Afghan teamsters established the Gascoyne’s early transport network. The teamsters and their camels were a distinct feature of the region.

Physical Description

The Afghan population used to camp along many notable places within Carnarvon along the camel route. These places included Chinamans Pool, Site of the former ‘White House’ and the Sandhurst Hotel. Only date palms mark the sites of the original camps. At the start of World War I, horse and bullock teams were replaced by the camel trains. Camel trains remained in use until the 1950s.

History

A degree of mystery surrounds the origins of the now demolished White House in East Carnarvon, except that it was built around the same time as the more publicised Red House, not far away. It is claimed that the White House never stood idle and had been occupied during its entire history. For much of this time it was a gathering place for many of the Afghan population in the camel wagon days with a room where meals were eaten from a communal bowl placed in the middle of a circle of diners, seated on the floor. Another room served as a venue for worship and devotions to Allah. It is believed that in 1906 a Mr. Newman used part of the house as a shop. The Sandhurst Tavern (see MI52) and Chinamans Pool were also important campsites for the Afghan population that followed the camel route into town.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium/Medium

Condition

Fair

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.