Local Government
Wyndham-East Kimberley
Region
Kimberley
Sea Plane Bay Wyndham Port Wyndham
Wreck approx 100 m due NW of the Wyndham Wharf
M V Koolama
Wyndham-East Kimberley
Kimberley
Constructed from 1942, Constructed from 1919
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - Does not warrant assessment | Current | 12 Nov 2004 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 20 Feb 1997 | ||
The Koolama site represents an extremely significant phase of Australias war time history. It indicates just how vulnerable the northern coast of Australia is to invasion. The Koolama had been bombed in 1942 and was considered unseaworthy. The passengers were forced to disembark on rugged coastline to the north west of Wyndham. Aboriginal people from the Kalumburu Mission came to the fore by guiding the stranded passengers to safety. The ship managed to limp into Wyndham port, staying afloat only by vigilant pumping. Unfortunately the pumps were abandoned during an air raid warning, and the ship keeled over and sank. It was deemed not worthy of salvaging and now lies under the mud approximately 100 metres from the wharf. The wharf and the associated wharfies mess represents an integral part of Wyndham's meatworks history, and have in the past, provided a vital economic basis for Wyndham businesses. Tourism has now taken over that role.
The Wyndham wharf is a D shaped structure, built on concrete and timber pylons. The timber base is overlaid with concrete poured slabs and provides the only landing place for shipping in the district. The wharf provides a base for both incoming and outgoing cargo. t The wharfies mess is a simple timber frame/fibro structure - a typical 1960s government style building. It is located in a central position on the eastern side of the wharf in Wyndham Port. The wreck of the state passenger ship, the Koolama, lies approximately 100 metres due north west of the Wyndham Wharf. This location is marked on a memorial plaque located on one of the bollards on the wharf.
Integrity: Most
Fair
Other Built Type
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Water: Jetty |
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Water: Other |
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Water: Dock\Wharf Bldg or Structure |
| Present Use | Transport\Communications | Water: Jetty |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other | TIMBER | Other Timber |
| Wall | PLASTER | Fibrous Plaster Sheet |
| Wall | METAL | Other Metal |
| Wall | TIMBER | Other Timber |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | River & sea transport |
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.