Hamersley Range National Park

Statement of Significance

The stone hut relics at Karijini National Park (and adjacent) have cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the stone hut relics demonstrates the origins of European settlement in the district and the self-reliance required of early settlers through the use of simple construction methods and local materials. the stone hut relics are good examples of early building forms used by European settlers in the North West of the state in the mid nineteenth century. the stone hut relics have associations with the development of the pastoral industry in the Pilbara district and demonstrate the evolution of a pastoral settlement since the mid nineteenth century.

Physical Description

Karijini National Park spans 627,440 hectares and protects a large portion of the rugged Hamersley Range, including its gorges, permanent water sources, and associated plant and animal communities. The landscape is defined by steep, orange-red banded gorges in the north—featuring waterfalls and deep pools—and by southern peaks such as Mount Bruce, which overlook expanses of hummock grassland and mulga woodland. Although the Park remains largely undisturbed compared with surrounding pastoral areas, traces of early colonial settlement, pastoral activity and mining remain throughout the wider landscape. These include remnants of dwellings, stockyards, wells, and former exploration sites. A stone hut near Joffrey Gorge survives as a tangible link to early pastoral activity. It is a one-room structure of random rubble stonework with an intact chimney and doorway, though its gable roof is long gone. Similar stone hut remains are located along Mt Bruce–Hamersley Road, just outside the park. These ruins, also constructed of random rubble stonework with no surviving roof, are likely associated with the early Mount Bruce Station.

History

Karijini National Park is the traditional Country of the Banjima, Kurama and Innawonga peoples. The park’s name reflects this long cultural connection, which continues today through the Karijini Park Council. Colonial exploration began in 1861 when F.T. Gregory led an expedition through the Hamersley Range, reporting good grazing lands that attracted settlers from 1863. Early pastoral leases focused on sheep. Mount Bruce Station was among the early leases but was later abandoned due to low productivity. Mount Bruce, the State’s second-highest peak, has remnants of early pastoral activities nearby, including old shepherd huts along Hamersley Road. The Karijini National Park Management Plan notes that the current Ranger Headquarters sits on the former Mount Bruce outstation (Dignam’s Well), though little of the original cajeput-timber building remains. A stone hut was also recorded in an 1894 sale notice for Mount Bruce Station. Another stone hut exists near the northern gorges (Joffrey Gorge), but its history is unknown. Mining has been significant in the region since the 1880s, beginning with alluvial gold at Turee Creek. Blue asbestos was first mined in 1936 along the northern escarpment, and later at Yampire Gorge and Dales Gorge. Lang Hancock mined in Yampire Gorge before moving to Wittenoom Gorge in 1937, with operations continuing until 1966. Evidence of early mining activity and some gravesites reportedly remain. In the mid-20th century, Dr Gordon Oxer of Wittenoom contributed to promoting the area’s tourism and exploration. Between 1959 and 1963, he named several gorges - Kalamina, Weano, Knox and Circular Pool. A stone plinth with a sundial (now removed) was placed at Oxers Lookout in his memory; the plinth survives beneath the lookout. Hamersley Range was gazetted as an A-Class Reserve on 31 October 1969. It has since been expanded and renamed as Karijini National Park. Today the park is managed to protect its cultural significance, geology, flora/fauna, and unique landscapes. It remains highly valued by Australian’s and visitors for its aesthetic and cultural importance.

Archaeology

The stone hut relics have the potential to yield information regarding the evolution of pastoral industry practices and associated building techniques from the mid Nineteenth Century through to the present.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium. Although the structures are now in a ruinous condition it is still possible to understand their original intention/use. The various relics have had no obvious interventions, apart from general deterioration caused by exposure to the elements since its abandonment.

Condition

Fair. The condition of the relics reflects the effects of the environment and abandonment. The relics near Joffre Gorge however are in remarkably good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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