Roebourne Airport

Statement of Significance

Roebourne Airport is a significant reminder of almost a century of air travel to the Northwest and the origins of the important relationship between air transport and the regional area now typified by a ‘Fly In Fly Out’ workforce.

Physical Description

The site includes the airstrips, fencing, navigation equipment, arrival shed and storage sheds. There is an asbestos risk in one of the structures, which is no longer in use. The earlier terminal has been removed and today the main arrival point is a corrugated iron hanger.

There is a large metal water tank, and tank on a stand, presumably for use by the fire service.

History

The first scheduled airline service to the Northwest was initiated in 1921, although the first flight of ‘WA Airlines’ ended with a plane crashing near Murchison House Station, killing two occupants. The service was initiated again in early 1922, between Geraldton and Port Hedland, stopping at Carnarvon, Onslow, and Roebourne. This ended the reliance on sea or overland travel.

Roebourne airport served as the primary arrival point for air travel until the development of Karratha Airport, which resulted from the growth of that town. For many workers, travellers, health services such as the RFDS, and immigrants, Roebourne Airport was the first experience of the Northwest.

The airport is still a functioning airport and represents almost a century of air travel to the Pilbara.

Archaeology

The airport runways are still in use in 2012, although changes over time to accommodate changing patterns of aviation may be reflected in the physical evidence. The associated structures are possible sources of artefactual material of earlier use and one shed contains old kerosene-type lamps used to mark out the runways at night for emergency landings in the era before power, or during power failures.

Integrity/Authenticity

The surviving buildings are intact and secure.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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.