Local Government
Augusta/Margaret River
Region
South West
7199 Caves Rd Forest Grove
Augusta/Margaret River
South West
Constructed from 1897
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 08 Aug 2012 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 17 Jun 1996 | Criterion 2 | |
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 01 Jul 2012 | Moderate Significance | |
Hamelin Bay gravesite is of significance: • as a reminder of the small harbour community that existed at Hamelin Bay at the height of the timber industry in the late 1800s. • for the association of the burial area with the storm that sunk three ships in the harbour in July 1900, with the loss of five lives.
The old cemetery is located on an elevated site with clear views over Hamelin Bay. In 2012 there is only one extant cemetery memorial, which reads: In memory of James Smith. Drowned at Hamelin, 19 August 1897 Aged 40 years Erected by his friends at Hamelin. This grave is enclosed by a well-maintained, modern picket fence and is accessed by a narrow walking track from an unsealed 4-wheel drive road.
The gravesite marks where James A Smith was buried on 19th August 1897. Smith had drowned in Hamelin Bay, reputedly after drinking too much of the local illegal brew. In addition to Smith’s grave, there are believed to be six other graves in the near vicinity. Those believed to be buried there include: Ah Jim (a Chinese seaman from the ‘Matilda’, who died of consumption); Ah Hung (a brakeman on an M C Davies timber truck who was accidentally killed on the Hamelin railway); and four sailors who lost their lives when three barques, ‘Norwester’ ‘Katinka’ and ‘Lovespring’ were wrecked in a gale in 1900 (Place # HB-05).By 1996 only Smith’s grave was still marked with a memorial and fenced.
Medium: The use has been altered, but the original use is still clearly evident through interpretation of the fabric. Medium: The place has had some alterations, but the original intent/character is still clearly evident.
Good *Assessed from streetscape survey only
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal Heritage Inventory | 1996 |
| Ref Number | Description |
|---|---|
| A11023 | LGA Site No. |
| HB-01 | MI Place No. |
Other Built Type
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | MONUMENT\CEMETERY | Grave |
| Present Use | MONUMENT\CEMETERY | Grave |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
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.