Garden Gully

Statement of Significance

The site of Garden Gully is significant for the cultural events that have taken place over the years, as a site of gold discovery and the establishment of a battery in 1894, followed by a settlement and hotel, and wells and pumping stations that supplied water to Meekatharra.

History

Garden Gully is located twelve miles north of Meekatharra and is popular for its creek shaded by river gums and its profusion of flowering shrubs and wildlife. It was the site of picnics and school sports days over the years including school sports days in the 1930s and the annual Catholic Picnic from 1943. Gold was found there and a 10-head battery was installed in 1894 by the Garden Gully G.M. Co. A shanty town of tin and hessian shacks developed but there was little gold from the Company's mine and the battery crushed ore from surrounding mines until 1901, when the State Battery commenced operation. Around 1910, Arch Bennett and his wife built a hotel (Bennett’s Hotel) on the main track that led from Meekatharra to Garden Gully and on to Abbotts and Peak Hill.
Wells were sunk along the edge of the Garden Gully creek around 1905 and pumping stations were established to provide water to Meekatharra. The No 1 pumping station housed a large steam engine that provided power to the other pumps in the system. The water from Garden Gully was highly mineralised and found to be unsuitable for domestic use but it was used by at least one mine, the Fenian at Paddy's Flat. The pumps ceased to operate sometime around the Second World War. All that remains of Bennett's hotel is the evidence of a cellar. The name ‘Garden Gully’ reflects the natural features of the place rather than any man-made garden.

Condition

Site

Creation Date

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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.