Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Mounts Bay Rd, Kings Park West Perth
Location Details
REGISTERED AS PART OF THE SWAN BREWERY PRECINCT Registered on RNE as part of Swan Brewery Precinct
Construction Date
Constructed from 1861, Constructed from 1970
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 09 Jan 2004 |
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 | ||||
| Register of the National Estate | Permanent | 14 May 1991 |
|
Heritage Council | |
| Perth Draft Inventory 99-01 | YES | 31 Dec 1999 |
|
Heritage Council | |
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified {HS} |
|
Heritage Council | ||
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 1 |
Category 1 |
||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 1 |
Category 1 |
|
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 13 Mar 2001 | Category 1 |
Category 1 |
|
Parent Place or Precinct
Statement of Significance
The fresh water stream is closely associated with Aboriginal mythology.
The Kennedy Fountain is closely associated with Governor Arthur Kennedy who caused the formalisation of the treatments around the spring at the foot of the steps and whose initials are inscribed on the stone fountain in the water cistern.
The site has been used as a social gathering place for water prior to settlement of the Swan River Colony.
Physical Description
The Kennedy Fountain was remodelled in 1970. Constructed of Toodyay stone walls, Granite raisers and iron balustrade.
The setting for the fountain is a landscaped area in a Paradise style, carefully controlled natural looking and densely planted. Ref Kennedy Steps Kings Park and Botanic Gardens Conservation Plan 1998
History
Kings Park was among the places of Western Australia inhabited by the Nyungar people for thousands of years prior to European settlement. Goonininup, at the base of Mooro Katta is the area of the park (where Kennedy's Fountain is now located) marks the site of the spring. This area is significant to the Aboriginal people because it is the home of the mythical Rainbow serpent the Waugal.
In 1827 Captain James Stirling made a survey of the Swan River and took on water at this point two years prior to returning to the area to establish the colony of Western Australia. Because of the water, the area quickly attracted commerce with a boat building yard being constructed near the spring followed by a steam mill.
The volume of traffic which passed the area encouraged the Perth Temperance Society to install a horse trough and cup and shortly after Mounts Bay Gardens became the Convict Depot. In 1869 the Convict Hiring Depot became the Invalid Depot and Poor Housing for indigent old men.
In 1861 Governor Kennedy had a cistern built to collect water from the natural spring.
Integrity/Authenticity
High level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity.
State Heritage Office library entries
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4882 | Kennedy Steps, Kings Park : conservation plan. | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 1999 |
| 6607 | Register of significant trees as at June 1988. | Report | 1988 |
| 6605 | Register of historic sites. | Report | 1988 |
Place Type
Urban Park
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | PARK\RESERVE | Park\Reserve |
| Present Use | PARK\RESERVE | Park\Reserve |
Creation Date
30 May 1989Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
19 Feb 2024Disclaimer
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.