Local Government
Denmark
Region
Great Southern
Location
South Coast Highway Denmark
Location Details
From Mt Shadforth to Wilson's Inlet near South Coast Highway
Other Name(s)
Genulup Beela
Construction Date
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - Does not warrant assessment | Current | 24 Apr 2019 |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 28 Jun 2011 | Considerable Significance |
Considerable Significance |
|
Statement of Significance
The Hay River is an important feature in the Noongar heritage landscape of Denmark. Similarly to the Denmark River and Frankland River it was an important Dreaming place as well as travel route and provider of ample resources during traditional times. The River is a major tributary to the Wilson Inlet (Nullaki) and as such may be considered part of the Nullaki cultural landscape (encompassing the Wilson Inlet catchment).
History
The Noongar name for the Hay River was recorded as Genalup by John Septimus Roe following his exploration of the area in the 1830s with Noongar guide Nakina. The following transcripts from Roe’s travels through the area in 1831 identify the Noongar name for the Hay and Denmark Rivers:
We continued our journey at 8am course W by S for 11⁄2 miles when we arrived at the Hay River (called by the natives “Genulup”) running South, which course we followed for about 200 yds & came to Wilsons Inlet. The soil upon the banks of this river is very good. We waded across its mouth and walked abt 1 mile round the Inlet & then proceeded due West & in 1 mile came again upon the Inlet & took the following bearings. 29 Green Islands off point N173° Rock off Do. N190° White Island N 210° White Hill N 234° Mt Hallowell (Koorumdinup) 258° Mt Shadforth N284°. We then continued round the Inlet & at 12 o’clock arrived at the entranc of the Denmark River (native name Koorabup) running from the WNW abt 20 yds wide at its mouth & apparently deep, thus proving its entrance into Wilsons Inlet at this part, where we took bearings & halted for dinner.
Both of these transcripts are printed in full in the Exploration Diaries, the reference to which is at http://www.explorationswa.com.au/The_ Volumes/1826-1835/1826-1835.php.
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| J Schoobert; "Western Australian Exploratio- Vol 1 Dec 1826-Dec 1835: the letters, reports & Journals of exploration and discovery in Western ustralai". | Hesperian Press WA | 2005 |