Local Government
Gingin
Region
Avon Arc
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Cowalla Rd off Baramba Rd Cowalla
Location Details
Construction Date
Constructed from 1909, Constructed from 1908
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory 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 | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 18 Oct 2005 | Category D |
Category D |
|
Statement of Significance
The caves have provided recreation for several generations at Cowalla and were the reason for the scientific research done in 1908. They are scientifically and aesthetically significant even though the immediate environment has been badly damaged by limestone extractions for road material.
Physical Description
The caves are situated in a limestone hill north of Baramba Road. There are two main caves, one is more accessible than the other, and contains stalactites and stalagmites. Excavating for limestone on the surrounding hill by the Shire of Gingin has degraded the area and rendered the less accessible cave unsafe and caused cracking in its walls.
History
n 1908, Stephen Goczel (Government Field Geologist) examined the caves with RSM deBurgh. They found petrified remains of an cycad along with bones and excreta of animals and amphibians. These were carefully parceled but unfortunately were transposed and lost to science. The soil samples were intended to be tested for phosphate to determine their worth as agricultural fertilizer. The caves were mined for guano during 1908/9 and the fertilizer used for growing crops at Cowalla
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| WJ de Burgh; "The Old North Road". |
Place Type
Historic site
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | FARMING\PASTORAL | Other |
| Original Use | FARMING\PASTORAL | Other |
Creation Date
10 Jun 1998Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
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.