Camden Harbour

Child Places

• 04162 Marked Boab Trees
• 04158 Brown's Camp
• 04161 Meadon's Lonely Grave
• 04157 Government Camp
• 04156 Association Camp
• 04160 Sheep Island Cemetery
• 04159 Calliance Wrecksite

Statement of Significance

In 1838 an explorer Grey ventured into the Camden Harbour area. He was the first to officially recognise the settlement potential in this locality. From these early reports, pioneers in search of new lands were encouraged to settle. In 1864 a group of interested settlers from the east of Australia formed the Camden Harbour Pastoral Association. With the capital they raised, a large amount of land would have been allocated. In November of that year the first ship, the 'Stag', set out. They arrived in December with a small amount of breeding stock, ample provisions and farming equipment. They were to be followed by other vessels, 'Helvitia', 'Calliance' and the 'Jeannie Oswald'. The first settlers faced horrendous conditions. The wet had not yet arrived so the land was dry and provided little feed for the stock. The animals began to perish quickly. The 'Calliance' arrived with her load of settlers and supplies on Christmas Day 1864. Having suffered some damage to the hull on an uncharted reef, the captain brought the ship close to shore to assess the damage. Unfortunately a sudden storm blew the ship onto rocks where it was wrecked. The wreck was sold to three men who sold the salvaged materials from the ship. The settlement limped on, continuing to face many difficulties. By the time the official Resident Magistrate of the North District arrived, a quarter of the stock had died and three settlers had died. Problems, including insects, heat, humidity, tropical ulcers, sharks and crocodiles made life difficult. The settlers did not have any knowledge of local food sources and their relations with the local Aborigines, who could have helped, was no^ cordial. All the people of Camden Harbour had withdrawn from the settlement by October 1865. In the ten months of the Association, nine people died. Six are buried on Sheep Island. Those known are Constable Gee, Jimba, John Meadon, Baby Patterson and MJ Pascoe. The headstone of Mary Jan Pascoe, who died following childbirth is still standing today.

Physical Description

Camden Harbour is situated in a coastal region of rugged inlets, with many reefs. It is scenically spectacular but is recognised as a harsh area to live in. Little remains today of the Camden Harbour Association Camp. Some stone walls and ruins are still visible, along with pottery shards, glass and other signs of habitation. The Calliance Wreck has little to mark its site other than a mound of ballast stones and five bricks to be found amongst the Mangroves.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Little remains intact, ruins only

Condition

Ruins

Uses

Creation Date

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