Discovery site of Strata Rock

Author

City of Busselton

Place Number

05360

Location

Eagle Bay Creek, Fern Rd Cape Naturaliste

Location Details

Local Government

Busselton

Region

South West

Construction Date

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 20 Jun 1996 Category 4

Statement of Significance

The site has historic value for its association with the Baudin Expedition which has an international reputation and impact for the exploration of the southern hemisphere. The site has historic value for its association with the recognition and identification of strata rock by the Baudin Expedition members. The site has research value for its association with the progression of scientific understanding in the 19th century through its documentation and identification.

Physical Description

An outcrop of strata rock on the shore of Eagle Bay.

History

This site is the location at which strata rock was discovered during Nicholas Baudin’s 1801 expedition and was a phenomenon previously unknown to contemporary scientists. Between 1801‐04, Baudin’s expedition of two ships, ‘Geographe’ and ‘Naturaliste’ explored Western Australia as part of a larger of expedition of the southern hemisphere. The party named Hamelin Bay, Cape Naturaliste, Vasse River, Geographe Bay and Cape Leschenault. With bad weather, the ships were separated and parties from the ‘Geographe’landed near the future site of Wonnerup town. Baudin’s other achievements include the efforts to improve navigational aids in waters of the south‐west of Western Australia. This was given a boost by the construction of the Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin lighthouses in 1903‐04, the former Cape receiving its name from the great explorer, Baudin.

Integrity/Authenticity

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

Condition

Good

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
COB 16/10/2024

Other Reference Numbers

Ref Number Description
PN124

Place Type

Historic Site

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use SCIENTIFIC Other
Present Use SCIENTIFIC Other

Historic Themes

General Specific
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Exploration & surveying

Creation Date

17 Feb 1997

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

02 May 2025

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.