Bickley Battery

Parent Place or Precinct

00525 Kingstown Barracks

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Buckingham Palace

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

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Hospital Precinct

Parent Place or Precinct

00525 Kingstown Barracks

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Officer's & N.C.O.'s Precinct

Parent Place or Precinct

00525 Kingstown Barracks

Uses

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Salt Lakes Conservation Area

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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Salt Store

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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Timber Bungalow Precinct

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

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Bathurst Lighthouse & Quarters

Parent Place or Precinct

03650 Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

Condition

This lighthouse along with quarters for its çkeeper was built in 1900 by the Western çAustralian Government. The circular tower is çconstructed of limestone block and is 20 metres çhigh to the vane. The original light was fixed çacetylene but this was converted to automatic çflashing acetylene in October 1920, and the light ç keeper was withdrawn. The keeper's cottage has since been sold to the çRottnest Island Board and is occupied by Board çstaff.

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Statement of Significance

*educational I research value: The lighthouses on Rottnest Island are of great interest to children . This building being close to the main settlement is very accessible to the pedestrian tourist, and to groups of smaller children. *historical significance of development or cultural phases: association with important figures: Having evolved from the tragedy of shipwreck, the development of lighthouse and signalling from the previous system is marked by this building. The tragedy of the City of York leading to the revision of signalling arrangements and navigational aids for shipping making passage to and from Fremantle prior to the invention of wireless is marked by this significant group of which this building is an essential component. *social significance: The building is a memorial to the progress of navigation aids for the process of harbour entry to the Port of Fremantle. LIGHTKEEPERS RESIDENCE Social significance Iightkeepers residence: Although the Lightkeepers quarters at the main lighthouse and the lighthouse adjoining on Bathurst Point was to the design of William Douglass, this building does not appear to have been his responsibility. The building is more austere than the building on Wadjemup Hill, and without the internal fittings and bay door-windows from the lounge. It is a reflection of the importance of this group in the role of the beacon system and of the social standing of the lightkeeper of this installation, and is therefore of significance. *environmental importance: From the main settlement on Rottnest there is the infallibility of the physical presence of this building and its function by day and by night. From the water,the building sits very comfortably and quietly in this rugged section of coast with its reefs and rocky islets. The high regard in which this building and the nearby visually compatible residence is held is indicated by the large number of paintings of them in the subtle light of dawn. The group is an inherent and inseparable component of the fundamental character of Rottnest.

Physical Description

The tower in the northeast of the Island is secondary in the system to the main lighthouse, and enables navigators to and from the Port of Fremantle to make safe passage around Bathurst Point. It was built of limestone in 1900. The light is 30m (100ft) above high water mark, the height of the tower being 20m above ground level to the wind vane. The original beacon was a fixed non flashing acetylene gas light which was converted in 1920 to automatic flashing acetylene, and the lightkeeper was withdrawn. The cottage was sold to the Rottnest Island Board, now the Authority and is at present occupied by Staff. In November 1986, the light was converted to electric automatic operation. The character of the light is group flashing 4 flashes every 16 seconds over a range of 15 nautical miles. The lantern house was manufactured by Chance Brothers at just over 3m diameter and has a lens of 700mm focal length. Iightkeepers residence Attached original drawings prepared by the PWD depict a typical stone residence comprising four main rooms, the kitchen, pantry and bathroom all in limestone with verandah all round except on the south and west corners. The house had timber 11oors, with fireplaces in the main rooms and kitchen, and no other joinery other than in the kitchen and pantry . The earth closet at the rear was similar to the structure at the main lighthouse keepers residence, and had a woodshed lean-to as a portico. As the building was not quite a square plan, the apex of the roof is vented gambrel construction. The ground on which the building stands is rocky, and slopes toward the sea. Steps were provided on the three raised verandahs giving access to the ground . At some stage the building was subdivided with additional toilets and wet areas. These have not deleteriously affected the heritage values of the building. The partial enclosure of the verandahs could be removed to restore the external visual qualities of the building when appropriate. This assessment includes the building, outbuildings and fences as extant.

History

Assessment 1993 Construction 1900, light beacon and associated residence (assessed separately below) Bathurst Point was named after the Royal Navy brig Bathurst by her captain, Philip Parker-King in 1822. The Iightkeeper’s residence was constructed contemporaneou sly with the nearby lighthouse tower in 1900. The layout was intended for a family. The duties at the outset would have diminished with the removal of the signal station in 1904. The building was sold after the lightkeeper was withdrawn in 1920 as a result of modifications to the light. The Rottnest Island Board subsequently utilised the building as staff quarters, and it has been, rented out as holiday accommodation known as Bathurst Flats. This group of buildings were erected in 1900 very close to the north east shoreline of the Island to replace a pilot lookout on the point. The pilot station was then transferred to Fremantle in 1903. In conjunction with the transfer of the pilot station, a signal station was built on Bathurst Point which was removed to the main lighthouse complex in 1904. The lightkeepers were then no longer required to signal ships thus eliminating the out of date signalling system which caused the confusion leading to the loss of the City of York in 1899.

Integrity/Authenticity

There are no serious external accretions which could not be easily removed thereby fully returning the fabric to the original state, in so far as the residence is concerned. Internal changes to the residence should be made only after reference to the conservation plan.

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The Lodge

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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Rottnest Island Hotel

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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Forge and Grain Crushing Mill (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

The Rottnest Island Museum building, a single-storey, limestone building, has heritage significance for the following reasons: It has significance for the Indigenous community as it was built and used by the Aboriginal prisoners who were confined on the Island in the 19th Century and early part of the 20th Century. It is one of the few remaining agricultural buildings on the island and is representative of Rottnest Island’s past use as a self sufficient penal colony. The simple form and colour is easily identifiable with Rottnest Island, together with the other original limestone buildings, it creates a pleasant townscape. The design and materials used are unique to the Island and is representative of Rottnest’s environment, conditions and abilities of its inhabitants.

History

Assessment 2006 Construction 1858 Alterations/additions 1979

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Old Chapel

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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General Store

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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Oliver Hill Battery, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Parent Place or Precinct

03650 Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

Uses

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Statement of Significance

In 1935 as part of an overall plan to extend and modernise the coast artillery defences for defended parts throughout Australia, preliminary work for the installation of heavy guns on Rottnest Island was commenced partly as a result of the British Governments decision to fortify Singapore. Progress was slow probably through indecision as to whether the development of air power should be given a higher priority. The original conception included standard 3 gun mounting and further delays occurred when the British Government could not release the third gun – resulting in plans being modified as a two gun battery. As such it is believed that this battery is the only one left in the Commonwealth with its guns still mounted. The natural constraints of building an installation of this magnitude involving the transport of most materials and fittings by barge and railway track from the mainland are formidable. The effectiveness of construction techniques are reflected in the soundness and freedom from damage, amongst other menaces, through water penetration of the underground installation. The complex demonstrates the end of an era of coastal defences which was primarily intended to protect the important port installations and its ships from enemy vessels, and to deter attemps to seize the port as part of an invasion plan. At the time they were installed these 9.2 inch counter bombardment coastal defence guns were the most modern in any coastal fortress. Whilst the battery was intentionally located to suit the function of the battery, present proposed future development as a museum can be seen as contribution to the enhancement of this spectacular site from many aspects. From information available it appears that this battery contains the last 9.2 inch coast defence guns mounted in situ in the British Commonwealth and as such are worthy of preservation as an historic example of a 20th century coast defence battery.

Physical Description

Description RAILWAY. 3ft 6 inch gauge tracks of light rails spiked to jarrah sleepers including 15 manually operated turnouts. (10,000 sleepers and 10 tons of spikes used). Embankments and sand hill cuttings replanted and camouflaged and have withstood the ravages of erosive action. Much of the railway equipment was second hand rolling stock and rails recovered from the abandoned Naval Base site at Coogee. Parts of the track are still visible in the reserve and the remainder is possibly concealed under filling marl. Tracks last used 1960. The Rottnest Island Board would like to restore the track but the cost of ballasting presently prevents further consideration. TUNNEL COMPLEX The concrete gun emplacements, underground magazines, engine rooms, fortress and battery plotting rooms, concrete observation posts were constructed by civilian contractors under the supervision of the Commonwealth department of the Interior. The underground facilities constructed from reinforced concrete in an excavation most likely later backfilled, include a powerhouse which contained two 180HP Ruston Hornsby Diesel Engines (one hopefully to be replaced soon) coupled to two 120 KVA electric generators, fortress and battery fire control rooms, hydraulic pump chambers, cordite and shell magazines, first aid casualty bays and air compressors, all interconnected with underground tunnels. All underground plant and equipment has unfortunately been removed, including a sophisticated communications system, most furniture, rifle racks, storage racks, shelving etc. Restoration work by the Rottnest Island Board is in progress. GUNS: It is believed that one of the 9.2 inch gun barrels was held in reserve by the Royal Navy in Hong Kong until taken over by the British Army in 1910. The other barrel is believed to have been part of the shore battery at Portland, Dorset, U.K. iin 1919. Both barrels were re-tubed and modified at the Royal Gun Factory in 1935 – 36. The letters E.O. C. 1901 stamped on the breech refer to the original barrels having been manufactured by the Elswick Ordinance Company (later Vickers) in 1901. 9.2 inch guns MK 10 on MK 7 mounting total barrel length 11.2 metres revolving weight approx.. 140 tons (142.2 tonne) Maximum range 33.5 km depending on charge etc. BATTERY COMMAND POST Three storey brick building contained range finding and fire control instruments to pass fire direction and control information to the battery or fortress plotting rooms or direct to the guns or any other battery through a complex communications system within the Fremantle fortress system.

History

Assessment 1982 Defence Installation, Installed 1936, all working equipment removed 1963 Includes: all construction on Commonwealth land; reserve on both surface and underground including railway installations, tunnel complex and gun mountings and at Signal Ridge near the main light house - 3 storey brick battery command post building

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Kingstown Barracks

Parent Place or Precinct

03650 Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

Child Places

• 03653 Officer's & N.C.O.'s Precinct
• 03321 Bickley Battery
• 03654 Hospital Precinct

Uses

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 03653 Officer's & N.C.O.'s Precinct
• 03321 Bickley Battery
• 03654 Hospital Precinct

Statement of Significance

Although of comparatively recent construction, the significance of Kingstown barracks will accrue through it being a component of the Coastal Defence Gun battery for Defended Ports throughout Australia and with reference to the Port of Fremantle prior to World War II. It is one of two remaining establishments in Australia conceived n the 1930’s and per se reflecting international defence strategies of the time. The other establishment is in NSW. The layout of these barracks depicts the formality of Army hierarchy, the segregation of ranks and it is an encapsulation of all functions of army life prior to WWII. It has remained in service with army relatively unaltered except for very minor details et: wind partitions added to verandahs for accommodation of extra national service personnel in the 1950’s; minor kitchen and bathroom refurbishing; removal of joinery from barracks to increase sleeping accommodation. There are many components in these buildings which have been left largely unmodified since installation, for example, shelving, partitions, kitchen and bathroom installations, annotations on rooms and doors, fireplaces, built in furniture, gutters and brickwork. The intact preservation of these items particularly during alternative uses or alteration should be pursued relentlessly.

Physical Description

BRICK BARRACKS COMPLEX: was designed in 1936 to include four Warrant Officers or sergeants and seventy two rank and file. The Barracks building and two smaller administrative buildings (1937) – the R.A.A. and R.A.E. administrative buildings enclose the parade ground on three sides. The central clock tower is set in front of the recreation hall, mess and kitchen. The tower contains a projection room and two copper water tanks (and a clock once). The partitioning of the dormitories was a new innovation to army practice, but has unfortunately been removed to increase accommodation. All materials except sandstone, sand and water came from the mainland. Footings are of stone, with red brick walls, asbestos roofing, standard timber roof and floor construction. The arched timber trusses over the recreation room are of interest and the jarrah furniture throughout is of high quality. All buildings are in very good condition. HOSPITAL AND COTTAGES: Hospital intended as a collection centre and cottages for NCO’s Gunner and Officers are of sound timber-framed asbestos sheet clad construction typical of the time, on brick bases, with fireplaces. The cottages are laid out round a simple rectangular space.

History

Assessment 1982 Construction 1936-38 Architect/builder: Dept of Interior NSW. Architect in charge of Drawing Office: F. Bonwick Works Director: C.A.Hoy Builder: Contractor F.H Deacon Engineer: George Neslon Engineer in charge for Dept: F. Husssey Supervisor: Alf Deakin See also PWD Comm report Nov 1967 Includes Barracks Building Precinct; Officers and NCO's Quarter precinct; Hospital Precinct

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Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Parent Place or Precinct

03650 Wadjemup/Rottnest Island

Child Places

• 03651 Salt Store
• 00530 Island Manager's House
• 00529 Board Cottage
• 00520 Cottages F & G
• 00522 Rottnest Island Hotel
• 00523 Old Chapel
• 00518 Buckingham Palace
• 00527 General Store
• 00519 Cottages H, J & E
• 00531 Pilots House (Cottages K1 and K2)
• 00521 The Lodge
• 03438 Timber Bungalow Precinct
• 03652 Salt Lakes Conservation Area
• 00524 Forge and Grain Crushing Mill (fmr)

Uses

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Board Cottage

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

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Cottages F & G

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

Creation Date

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Cottages H, J & E

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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Island Manager's House

Parent Place or Precinct

00516 Thomson Bay Settlement, Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island

Uses

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