Point Cloates Lighthouse & Quarters (ruins)

Condition

Poor

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Tantabiddi Well

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Statement of Significance

Tantabiddi Well has high environmental and scientific heritage significance. It is a good example of a shallow well construction on pastoral leases in the region. It is also representative of a large number of subterranean caves on the Cape Range Peninsula which hold unique and rare fauna such as Blind Eels and Blind Gudgeon (WAM) first discovered in 1948.

Physical Description

The Tantabiddi Well is located in a sparsely treed area. The well itself is shored up with rough timber poles and was covered with timber beams and corrugated iron sheets. All that is visible today (1997) is the open well surrounded by rocks and debris.

History

The Tantabiddi Well is located in the Cape Range National Park. It is part of a subterranean set of caves that hold fauna of 'great antiquity that is endemic to the peninsula'. Some elements of the underground fauna are found on Barrow Island. WA but they are otherwise confined to the Cape Peninsula. Two species of cave fish are unknown off the peninsula. Two other species. Blind Gudgeon (M. Veritas) and Blind Cave Eel (O.Candidum) were first located in Tantabiddi Well in 1948. They have now been discovered in more sites on the peninsula. Owing to the specialised nature of the building of the Exmouth township, the groundwater in the vicinity of the subterranean cave system remains unpolluted, thus protecting the rare fauna. However, to protect this unique environment, calls have been made to include the entire peninsula on the register of the National Estate or together with the Ningaloo Marine Park. There is an entry on the Register described as Cape Range National Park and surrounds, encompassing an area of 120,000 ha ( DB No 017564, File No 5/14/192/0004).

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Yardie Creek

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Statement of Significance

Yardie Creek has aesthetic, historical, environmental and cultural heritage significance. Its historic connections with an early pastoral station, its natural beauty and the unique environment of the rare blackfooted rock wallaby, give it high heritage value. There is an entry on the Register of the National Estate described as Cape Range National Park and surrounds, encompassing an area of 120.000 ha ( DB No 017564. File No 5/14/192/0004).

Physical Description

Yardie Creek rises in the western part of Cape Range National Park about 90 km from Exmouth. It becomes brackish towards the west and is usually cut off from ocean access by sandbars. In some parts, steep granite cliffs edge the creek.

History

The discovery of Yardie Creek is open to historical debate owing to its occurrence on separate earlier shipping charts. However, early Dutch explorers named it Williams River. Its name. Yardie. comes from Aboriginal sources. The creek played an important role in the delivery of supplies to Yardie Creek Station, leased by Thomas Carter from the WA Government in 1902. Over the years a homestead was built (1907) and various families operated the sheep station until it was resumed to become the Cape Range National Park. Today (1997) the creek is a mecca to a number of 'eco tourists' seeking a pristine, natural place to visit. Attractions include the large gorge and plentiful wildlife which includes corellas. ospreys and the unique blackfooted rock wallabies (petrogale lateralis).

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Cape Range National Park

Child Places

• 10619 Cape Range No. 2 Oil Well
• 10617 Cape Range No. 1 Oil Well

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Fairy Queen Shipwreck

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Naval Communications Station (Harold E Holt)

Child Places

• 10641 VLF Towers, Harold E Holt Naval Communication Stn

Condition

Overall, the place is in good condition

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Vlamingh Head Radar

Parent Place or Precinct

00837 Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Group

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Statement of Significance

The Vlamingh Head Radar site has historic, rarity, scientific and cultural heritage significance. The site is one of the few remaining on the Australian coast. It is an example of effort made by our defence forces to establish a defence network on our remote coastline. It has historic links with Operation Potshot (refer Place Record Form No 8). As it represents technology of the past it demonstrates a way of life no longer practiced end therefore has scientific heritage value.

Physical Description

The original transmitter and receiver were mounted on structural steel angle frames and turned by an electric motor. It was camouflaged with a high wall, sandbags, wire netting and spinifex cover. The sandbags surrounding the site and the structure itself still remain.

History

Vlamingh Head Radar was a vital part of Operation Potshot during the defence of northern Australia in WWII. The North West Cape (along with other northern districts) was chosen as the location for a coastal defence base. The construction began late in 1942 on what became known as 'Operation Potshot'. The base did not prove to be as secure as planned, and in May 1943 was bombed by two Japanese fighter planes. Further plans for a submarine maintenance base were scrapped, although the base continued to serve as a refuelling stop for submarines. (For further details, refer to the Historical Notes on Place Record Form No 8 - Operation Potshot Site). A cyclone in February 1945 badly damaged much of the base, including the aircraft warning radar. This is indicated on a nearby plaque.

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Yardie Creek Homestead

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VLF Towers, Harold E Holt Naval Communication Stn

Parent Place or Precinct

00261 Naval Communications Station (Harold E Holt)

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Statement of Significance

The VLF towers have historic and scientific heritage significance. The tallest man made structure in the Southern Hemisphere, the tower complex plays a very special role in Australian Defence strategy. The towers form what was at one time the most powerful transmitter in the US Navy. The towers are still in use for transmitting Very Low Frequency signals to submarines.

Physical Description

Locatcd 11km north of Exmouth. this is an array of 13 towers in an area of approximately 2km. The towers surround a Helix building and a central tower known as Tower Zero. The configuration of very tall narrow towers supports the aerial array of wires, which arc the actual transmitting medium. (.4 summary of the technical details of the VLF Towers is shown on Pg 3 of this place record form).

History

The building of the Very Low Frequency Towers (VLF) was a vital part of the long range communication system of the US Naval Communication base set up in Exmouth in 1963. The towers were, at the time, the highest man made structures in the Southern Hemisphere. The 13 towers, built in 1964. supported the massive antennae for the transmitters and receivers needed for communication with far ranging US submarines. The web of antennae is approximately two kilometres in diameter and could be described as a large spider web of wire. Underneath the 'web' is approximately 350.000 metres of copperwire buried in the ground. The power plant located in the VLF area was one of the biggest operated by the US Navy with the capacity to crcate enough electricity for a small city. In 1967 an electric navigation light was fixed to the central tower (Tower Zero. 388 metres high) which made the nearby lighthouse obsolete. Today (1997) the towers still dominate the skyline in the vicinity of the communication base and have become an important tourist attraction.

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Staff House

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Statement of Significance

This house has aesthetic and historic heritage significance. It was the residence of the first Civil Commissioner of Exmouth (refer Place Record Form No 11). The house was erected in Talgarao WA in 1960 and transported to Exmouth in 1965. It is an example of a house designed to withstand cyclonic conditions in tropical Australia.

Physical Description

The old residence of the Civil Commissioner is a typical tropical construction of fibro with a corrugated iron roof. It is elevated with an open area under the house.

History

The Town of Exmouth was established under unique conditions, being an integrated town reflecting influence from the US Naval Station, the Commonwealth and State Governments. Local administration followed usual local government procedures but. instead of an elected Shire President, a Civil Commissioner was appointed. He became the first point of contact for the US Navy and the State and Commonwealth authorities. Duties of the Civil Commissioner included the provision of parks and gardens, recreation facilities and clubs, and the development of a close knit integrated community. The house on the corner of Bennett and Fyfe Streets in Exmouth was used as the residence of the Civil Commissioner.

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Cape Range No. 2 Oil Well

Parent Place or Precinct

18605 Cape Range National Park

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Cape Range No 2 Oil Well has historical and scientific heritage significance. The site is an example of remote locations where oil exploration took place. The well produced gas and provides an example of how wells were capped during the early period of oil exploration in Australia, tRefer Place Record Form No 10).

Physical Description

There is little visible evidence of Cape Range No 2 oil well as the rig was a mobile one and was removed from the site when the well was capped off at the completion of drilling.

History

The Cape Range No 2 Oil Well is one of a scries of wells drilled in the Exmouth area in the early 1950s by Ampol Exploration, operating under the name West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd (WAPET). When oil flowed at the Rough Range No 1 Well in 1953 hopes of significant oil finds were high. Although the oil proved of insufficient commercial value. Ampol continued exploration in the region and were rewarded when commercial quantities of oil were discovered on Barrow Island in 1964. For more detailed Historical Notes on Cape Range No 2 Oil Well refer to the notes on Place Record Form No 2 (Cape Range No / Oil Well) and Place Record Form No in (Rough Range No I Oil Well).

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Transit House

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Statement of Significance

The transit house has historic heritage significance. It is the first house constructed in Exmouth. Other early buildings placed in Exmouth were transported from another settlement, Talgarno. This house represents a large construction project in a co-operative scheme between the US Navy and the Commonwealth and State Governments (refer Place Record Form No 5).

Physical Description

This timber framed fibro house with a corrugated iron roof is set on a large block surrounded by a wire mesh fence. A variety of trees and shrubs surround the house.

History

An agreement signed on 9 May 1963 between Australia and the US, which resulted in the establishment of the US Communications Station at Exmouth. was a pledge between signatories to assist one another in collective defence and mutual security. Exmouth township and the dual use of the communication facility by the Australian and US Navies are a result of this collective security arrangement. This house was built to accommodate visitors to the construction site during the building of the communication station and also to house Government employees.

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Exmouth Police Station, Lockup & Quarters

Condition

Poor

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Exmouth War Memorial

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First Trees planted in Exmouth

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Statement of Significance

The first trees planted in Exmouth are a living reminder of the significance of the Naval Communication Station to the development of the North West Cape. They have aesthetic and historic heritage significance. Their value is found in their historical links with noted dignitaries, signifying the State and National importance of the communications centre to both the US and Australian defence systems.

Physical Description

The first three trees planted in Exmouth are rivergums (eucalyptus camaldulensis). One is in a garden bed adjacent to the carpark on Maidstone Crescent, at the western end of the Shire Office. The second tree is in a grassed area adjacent to the Shire Office on the western side. The third tree is situated next to the path from the Council Chambers to the parking area on the western side.

History

The three trees planted by dignitaries are commemorative of the cooperation between the Australian and United States of America governments. The agreement signed on 9 May 1963 between Australia and the US, which resulted in the establishment of the US Communications Station at Exmouth. was a pledge between signatories to assist one another in collective defence and mutual security. Exmouth township and the dual use of the communication facility by the Australian and US Navies are a result of this collective security arrangement. The first tree was planted by the Hon Allen Fairhall MP. Minister for Supply on 23 June 1964. The Minister and Vice Admiral Sir Hastings Harrington KBE. CB. DSO. Chief of Naval Staff, who planted the second tree on 8 July 1964. both visited Exmouth during construction of the Naval Communication Station. The third tree was planted by His Exccllency Viscount De L'islc VC. PC. GCMG. GCVO. K St John. Governor General of Australia on 17 October 1964 during his visit throughout Western Australia.

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Shire Library

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Statement of Significance

This building has historic heritage significance. It was the first administrative building in Exmouth and served as the first school and civic centre.

Physical Description

This low, flat building is constructed with a metal frame, covered by fibreboard cladding. The roof has a very slight pitch and extends to form a small verandah. Windows along the full extent of the building allow for sufficient light.

History

The Town of Exmouth was established under unique conditions, being an integrated town reflecting influence from the US Naval Station, the Commonwealth and State Governments. Local administration followed normal local government procedures but, instead of an elected Shire President, a Civil Commissioner was appointed. He became the first point of contact for the US Navy and State and Commonweath authorities. Duties of the Civil Commissioner included the provision of parks and gardens, recreation facilities and clubs, and the development of a close knit integrated community. Administration of these factors took place in what is now the Shire Library. From here the Civil Commissioner oversaw three years of construction with a transient population of up to 16,000 workers passing through the town.

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Community Hall

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Exmouth Fire Station

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Cape Range No. 1 Oil Well

Parent Place or Precinct

18605 Cape Range National Park

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

Cape Range No 1 Oil Well has historic heritage significance. Discovery of oil at the Rough Range No 1 oil well in early 1950s sparked great optism about the possibility of rich finds. These wells did not produce the hoped for yields and it was only in 1964 that investors were rewarded with the rich oil discoveries at Barrow Island. The site is an example of remote locations where oil exploration took place, (refer to Place Record Form No 1)

Physical Description

There is little visible evidence of the Cape Range No 1 oil well as the rig was a mobile one which was removed from the site on completion of the drilling program.

History

The Cape Range No 1 Oil Well is one of a series of wells drilled in the Exmouth area in the early 1950s. An aerial survey of the Rough Range area cominccd Bill Walklcv (later Sir William Walkley) that there was oil to be found in Australia. He was the founding Managing Director of Ampol Petroleum Ltd. Six years later, in 1953. Ampol raised the money to begin drilling at a site in Rough Range located on the southern tip of Exmouth Gulf. They did this under the name West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd (WAPET). WAPET used the Learmonth RAAF base for bringing in personnel and some supplies but built a jetty for heavier equipment. In November 1953 oil flowed at the Rough Range No 1 Well, sending Ampol shares and the hopes of WA soaring. However the oil proved of insufficient commercial value. Despite other drilling sites in Rough Range and Cape Range failing to produce commercial quantities of oil. Ampol remained hopeful of further strikes. Hopes were fulfilled when significant oil was discovered on Barrow fsland in 1964.

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Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Quarters

Parent Place or Precinct

00837 Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Group

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The Lighthouse keepers' quarters have aesthetic, historic and cultural significance. Although they have been altered they are still an example of an architectural style, technology and way of life which has now been superseded.

Physical Description

This rendered concrete dwelling has accommodation for two families. It has a corrugated iron roof and shuttered fibro clad verandahs. Originally it had a central living area and two wings which contained the sleeping quarters. It featured large breezeway doors and drop down shutters as protection against storms and cyclones.

History

The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse was built in 1912 (for further details refer Place Record Form No 16). In order for the lighthouse to be manned 24 hours a day, two keepers were employed. Accommodation was provided for the men and their families if they were married. An excerpt from a letter from Mary Butler, wife of keeper Sydney Butler, described the living conditions at the lighthouse. Isolated, with no wireless, cars or refrigerators, and with only a monthly postal service, the keepers and their families were forced to make their own entertainment. However, Mrs Butler said "...the quarters were excellent with large rooms and verandahs". Today (1997) the lighthouse keepers' quarters are used as a residence in the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Caravan Park.

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