Ian
priscilla 1COSSACK, Western Australia
June 9th 2008 11:54
Today Cossack is a historic, ghost town but the intriguing, beautifully restored old, stone buildings make it worth a visit. Budget accommodation, backpacker’s style, single and family rooms, is available in the restored Police Barracks. However, it is an easy day’s touring to visit Wickham, Roebourne, Cossack and Port Samson from Karratha. Port Samson is a good place for a swim and a meal.
Cossack, situated on the mouth of the Harding River, was established in the 1860’s as the first port in the North West of Western Australia. At first it was known as Tien Tsin but when Governor Weld visited the town in 1871 aboard the vessel HMS Cossack the town was named Cossack after this vessel. The port became a landing place for settlers to the area and ships called regularly to bring supplies.
Walter Padbury, the first European settler and his party, arrived with his stock in 1863. The port of Cossack became important for the export of wool out of the area.
In the 1860’s the pearling industry had begun and by the 1870’s up to 80 luggers were operating in the area and Cossack was an important port from which professional pearlers exported Mother of Pearl.
By the end of the 1880’s gold rush fever hit the North West, bringing more prosperity to Cossack.
The pioneers who lived in Cossack experienced many problems. Cyclones were one of many. Between 1869 and 1898 the Cossack district was devastated by 15 cyclones. The town was devastated by a cyclone in 1898. The threat and damage of cyclones prompted a change in building materials, so wooden buildings were replaced using stone.
For about 50 years Cossack was the bustling, major port for the developing pastoral, pearling and mining industries in this area. However, by the turn of the century the pearling industry was concentrated in Broome and the gold rush to the Pilbara Goldfields declined. Cossack Port proved unsuitable for big ships and the harbour facilities were moved to Port Samson. The Municipality of Cossack was dissolved in 1910 but people continued to reside there until after the Second World War.
The Court House was designed by George Temple Poole and built in 1985.
This impressive building now houses the Shakespeare Hall Social History Museum. The displays are comprised of original Cossack memorabilia and give the visitor an intriguing and informative glimpse into what life was like for the pioneers of this district.
The high, solid stone walls and solid wooden furniture gives the visitor a sense of the grandeur of this whole building.
The Customs House and Bond Store was designed by George Temple-Poole. It was built using local stone and was completed in 1897. This building was used as for storing and handling incoming and outgoing goods. When Cossack was a working port this building was a very busy place.
Incorporated in the construction of this building was a 7000 gallon underground water tank. Lack of water is always a problem in the Pilbara Region.
When Cossack ceased to be a major port this building was used as a Turtle Soup Factory. Restored in 1983, it is now used by the local community as a venue for special events.
Galbraith store was completed in 1891 and was the first building built using basalt.
Galbraith and Co was part of Cossack’s commercial centre, being involved in the shipping, stock, mining and pearling industries. The building was restored in 1984 and today is used by the Cheeditha Aboriginal Community as an art studio.
The Police Barracks were designed and built in 1897 and today are used for accommodation.
A six kilometre trail called ‘The Cossack Heritage Trail’ has been funded and put in place by the Shire of Roebourne, the Heritage Council of Western Australia and the Western Australian State Government. Either following the suggested trail in detail, or picking and choosing the buildings and places which most interest you, will prove fascinating and educational as you absorb the history of this pioneer town and its people. The above photos introduce you to some of the beautifully restored buildings of Cossack. When you visit this ghost town you are in for a real treat.
Cossack, situated on the mouth of the Harding River, was established in the 1860’s as the first port in the North West of Western Australia. At first it was known as Tien Tsin but when Governor Weld visited the town in 1871 aboard the vessel HMS Cossack the town was named Cossack after this vessel. The port became a landing place for settlers to the area and ships called regularly to bring supplies.
Walter Padbury, the first European settler and his party, arrived with his stock in 1863. The port of Cossack became important for the export of wool out of the area.
In the 1860’s the pearling industry had begun and by the 1870’s up to 80 luggers were operating in the area and Cossack was an important port from which professional pearlers exported Mother of Pearl.
By the end of the 1880’s gold rush fever hit the North West, bringing more prosperity to Cossack.
The pioneers who lived in Cossack experienced many problems. Cyclones were one of many. Between 1869 and 1898 the Cossack district was devastated by 15 cyclones. The town was devastated by a cyclone in 1898. The threat and damage of cyclones prompted a change in building materials, so wooden buildings were replaced using stone.
For about 50 years Cossack was the bustling, major port for the developing pastoral, pearling and mining industries in this area. However, by the turn of the century the pearling industry was concentrated in Broome and the gold rush to the Pilbara Goldfields declined. Cossack Port proved unsuitable for big ships and the harbour facilities were moved to Port Samson. The Municipality of Cossack was dissolved in 1910 but people continued to reside there until after the Second World War.
The Court House – Cossack
This impressive building now houses the Shakespeare Hall Social History Museum. The displays are comprised of original Cossack memorabilia and give the visitor an intriguing and informative glimpse into what life was like for the pioneers of this district.
Inside the Court House – Cossack
Customs House – Bond Store, Cossack
Incorporated in the construction of this building was a 7000 gallon underground water tank. Lack of water is always a problem in the Pilbara Region.
When Cossack ceased to be a major port this building was used as a Turtle Soup Factory. Restored in 1983, it is now used by the local community as a venue for special events.
Galbraith Store - Cossack
Galbraith and Co was part of Cossack’s commercial centre, being involved in the shipping, stock, mining and pearling industries. The building was restored in 1984 and today is used by the Cheeditha Aboriginal Community as an art studio.
Old Police Barracks
A six kilometre trail called ‘The Cossack Heritage Trail’ has been funded and put in place by the Shire of Roebourne, the Heritage Council of Western Australia and the Western Australian State Government. Either following the suggested trail in detail, or picking and choosing the buildings and places which most interest you, will prove fascinating and educational as you absorb the history of this pioneer town and its people. The above photos introduce you to some of the beautifully restored buildings of Cossack. When you visit this ghost town you are in for a real treat.
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