Ancient Aboriginal heritage
Karratha and the West Pilbara Coast of Western Australia (WA) have a fascinating Aboriginal history and cultural heritage. Home to the Ngaluma and Yindibarndi people for many generations, the locals acknowledge them as the region’s traditional landowners.
Millstream-Chichester National Park, Jaburara Heritage Trail, Deep Gorge and the Burrup Peninsula are fascinating places to discover the Aboriginal history of Karratha and WA’s West Pilbara Coast. Over 40,000 petroglyphs or rock engravings can be viewed in the region, many of which are located on the Burrup Peninsula. Recognised as one of the most prolific Aboriginal rock art site in the world, the peninsula was listed by the Heritage Council of WA in July 2007.
Today, Aboriginal artists from the West Pilbara Coast of WA have become recognised nationally and internationally. Local art works are available for purchase at many outlets, including the Karratha and Roebourne Visitor Centres.
Despite their tragic past, the Aboriginal people of Karratha and WA’s West Pilbara Coast are re-establishing their cultural and traditional links and building a positive future for their people. Many books have been written by local Aboriginal groups about their history and culture. The Juluwarlu Foundation has produced books and DVDs about the Yindibarndi people, including Exile and the Kingdom. Copies can be purchased at the Karratha or Roebourne Visitor Centres.
Our pioneering past
The European history of Karratha and the West Pilbara Coast of WA dates back to 1699 when William Dampier’s ship ‘The Roebuck’ laid anchor at Pirates Cove in the Dampier Archipelago. The islands of the archipelago have a very interesting pioneering past that includes the establishment of a sheep farm on West Lewis Island and a whaling station on Malus Island. Both ventures were abandoned but the ruins remain.
Roebourne
The township of Roebourne was first established in 1866 and named after John Septimus Roe, WA’s First Surveyor General. Originally the administrative capital of the North West, the growing town was serviced by the nearby port at Cossack. Today, eight historic buildings still remain, each with its own interesting history. The Old Gaol provides an insight into the Aboriginal people who contributed to the development of the area and tells the stories of five hangings at the Gaol between 1893 and 1900. A brochure with more information and interesting facts about Roebourne’s historic buildings can be obtained from the visitor centre.
Jarman Island Lighthouse
In 1866, the Jarman Island Lighthouse was ordered in kit form from England. Arriving almost a year later by ship, the lighthouse was assembled using a labour force from the Roebourne Prison and soon after became fully operational with a dedicated Light House Keeper to ensure the four wick kerosene lamp was lit every night.
In 1917 it was automated, burning a guiding light for shipping right up until 1985, when it was finally de-commissioned. With assistance from State and Federal Government, the Shire of Roebourne, has fully restored the lighthouse to preserve this fascinating piece of WA maritime history for generations to come.
Cossack
Cossack has a unique history. Officially established in 1872, it was the first port on WA’s West Pilbara Coast and attracted thousands of fortune seekers during the Pilbara gold rush. Cossack was also the home of the fast growing pearling industry. However, once the local area had been fished out, the pearlers moved further north to Broome.
Cossack’s impressive growth was spread over forty years, but its decline was more rapid. By 1900 the pearling fleet had all but gone, the gold rush had diminished, and the port was no longer suitable as a harbour for the larger modern sailing vessels. In 1904 a jetty was established at Point Samson and all shipping movements were relocated there. For a short while, Cossack was home to a turtle soup factory and a leprosarium, but the municipality was dissolved in 1910 and the town was eventually abandoned by 1950.
Contact the Karratha Visitor Centre or visit the Shire of Roebourne website for more information about the history, heritage and historic attractions of WA’s West Pilbara Coast.
Some information presented in this website has been sourced, with permission, from the Shire of Roebourne website.
