Quindalup Townsite Precinct (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Qunidalup townsite precinct, a historic area, has cultural heritage significance as the location of an important timber settlement employing many tickets of leave men. The early settlers were well involved in breeding re- mounts for the British Army in India. The hall and racecourse became the central focus of social gatherings for the local community.

Physical Description

Historic site.
The Quindalup townsite was once the location of the old Quindalup round mill site, tramway, the Yelvertons’ homestead ‘Quindalup House’, Quindalup race track, the first Quindalup school, Quindalup hall, a police station, a customs house, well and a Congregational Church. It was previously used for timber milling purposes.

History

Yelverton, a timber merchant, set up a merchant partnership in Fremantle in 1848-1849 with Anthony Curtis. Curtis was a master of a coastal trading vessel and later owner of the Vasse-Wonnerup Estate. He bought Inlet Park from the Chapman brothers. In 1856, Keyser built the Yelverton Mill, the opening of which being “such an auspicious occasion, that the Colonial Governor rode from Perth and presented the 47 workers with a 50 gallon keg of rum”.57 Within 2 years, Yelverton was in partnership with McGibbon and was employing 100 men, including convicts.58
As the demand for WA timber increased, Yelverton purchased a steam mill from the old Geraldine lead mine at Northampton (near Geraldton) and brought the plant and equipment to the Quindalup area (2 miles from Toby’s Inlet). A flour mill was erected on the second floor above the sawmill and this was driven by the same steam engine.59 “By 1860, the station looked like a little town, with its schools (which Yelverton had built and provided a teacher for), store, blacksmith’s shop, carpenter’s shop, workshop and foundry”, although store prices were almost double Fremantle prices. At one time, there were 3 schools in the area, one at the mill, a second one near the house and a third at the old convict depot.60 In his eagerness, Yelverton over-extended himself and his mill was once advertised for sale. However, by 1864, production was revived, although again in May 1866, the mill was at a standstill. 61 Fortunately, Governor Weld was able to persuade the Colonial Office to agree on concessions for the industry thus providing stability and therefore encouraging further investment of capital. Yelverton obtained a concession of 57,000 acres on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge where a third mill was built. This was connected by a tramway system to the Geographe Bay port, “and the whole community was moved from the old site with the exception of port facilities”.62
In 1880, Henry Yelverton, who had been appointed the Chairman of the first Town Trust (a forerunner to the Roads Board) was killed in a timber accident. The mill continued to operate for a further 20 years, managed by his eldest son, Henry John Yelverton.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate Degree/Good Degree
Integrity Notes: The place retains a moderate degree of integrity, as few remains of the townsite are visible.
Authenticity Notes: The place retains a good degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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