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Meelup Reserve Precinct

Author

City of Busselton

Place Number

05346
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.

Location

Eagle Bay to Curtis Bay Meelup to Dunsborough

Location Details

The precinct includes Eagle Bay (waters), Castle Rock, Curtis Bay (waters) and Meelup Bay, Meelup.

Local Government

Busselton

Region

South West

Construction Date

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents More information
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management More information
Category Description
(no listings)

Statement of Significance

Meelup Reserve, a largely natural and cultural modified site, has cultural heritage value for its associations with the historic whaling industry and for its picturesque natural features and amenity.

Physical Description

The Meelup Reserve Precinct is a natural bushland and coastline that is home to a rich array of endemic species of flora and fauna.
Nothing obvious remains from the historic use of the place for whaling activities. There are developed parking areas and amenities, but the place remains largely a natural site, with spectacular ocean views, beaches and rock features.

History

Prior to settlement, the place was one of the locations used by American whalers. William Seymour settled at Dunsborough in 1845-1846 to work for Lionel Sampson and Co.’s “Castle Rock Whaling Company”, which was later taken over by J. W. Bateman. This enterprise had fluctuating success as it was affected by difficulties with drunkenness, absconding workers and bad language. In 1849, all boats and sheds were destroyed by fire. Castle Rock used to function as a lookout spot for whales. However, nothing remains of the original fabric in the present day. The place is now a popular venue for recreation.

Archaeology

There may be archaeological material relating whaling activities on the shoreline.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity.
Authenticity Notes: The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

High Degree/High Degree

Condition

Good

Place Type

Precinct or Streetscape

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use FORESTRY Other
Present Use PARK\RESERVE Park\Reserve
Original Use INDUSTRIAL\MANUFACTURING Tryworks

Historic Themes

General Specific
OUTSIDE INFLUENCES Water, power, major t'port routes
OCCUPATIONS Fishing & other maritime industry

Creation Date

13 Feb 1997

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

08 Feb 2017

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.