King Neptune Sculpture

Author

City of Wanneroo

Place Number

17935

Location

Pt Lot 50 Enterprise Av Two Rocks

Location Details

Local Government

Wanneroo

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1981

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
Heritage List Adopted 07 Nov 2016

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
RHP - To be assessed Current 11 Sep 2020

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 26 Apr 2006 Category 2

Statement of Significance

King Neptune sculpture is of historic significance representing the development of Two Rocks in particular the Atlantis Marine Park (fmr). It is of historic value as the most prominent example of Mark Le Buse's sculptures in Two Rocks. It has aesthetic and social significance and a landmark quality to the local community of Two Rocks as evidenced by the Two Rocks Residents Association's interest in the sculpture.

Physical Description

The sculpture of King Neptune faces west towards the Indian Ocean and is sited high above the Atlantis Marine Park (fmr) entrance and is a landmark in the Two Rocks area.The scultpure is approximately 10 metres high and was constructed over a steel framed using concrete and limestone.There was originally a door at the base of the sculpture for internal access however in 2004 this was no longer extant.

History

The Atlantis Marine Park (fmr) site included a series of pools, aquariums, theatre, stadium, crazy golf course, trampoline park, a playground and landscaping. A feature of the park was the 10mtre sculpture of King Neptune which was designed by local artist Mark Le Buse. Le Buse was also contracted to construct a number other prominent sculptures of celebrities and animals. The opening of the park was held on 26 December 1981 and by 1982 over one million visitors went through the gates. In 1983 Atlantis Marine Park was awarded the Sir David Tourism for Tourism and a Marketing excellence award. The park closed in 1990 due to less visitors and requirements of larger pools for the dolphins therefore the place became no longer feasible. In Roman Mythology 'Neptune' is known as the 'god of the Sea' (identified with as 'Poseidon' from Greek Mythology). Like Poseidon, he was also the god of earthquakes and horses. Neptune is believed to have power over the sea and seafarers and married the sea nymph Amphitrite. He is usually shown as a bearded man holding a trident and standing in a shell chariot being drawn over the sea by dolphins. The Two Rocks, Yanchep Residents Association, a group which has a keen interest in local history have particular interest in the King Neptune sculpture.

Place Type

Historic site

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use OTHER Other

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Other STONE Limestone
Other CONCRETE Other Concrete

Historic Themes

General Specific
SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES Sport, recreation & entertainment
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Settlements

Creation Date

07 Aug 2007

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

20 Apr 2021

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.