Camden Harbour, Western Australia facts for kids

Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 614: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). Camden Harbour was a small settlement that didn't last very long. It was located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This area is known for its beautiful, rugged landscape. The settlement existed for only a short time, from 1864 to 1865. It was part of a larger bay called Camden Sound.

People sometimes called this settlement the Camden Harbour Expedition. It was also known as the Government Camp.

What Was Camden Harbour?

Camden Harbour was an attempt by the government to create a new town. It was meant to be a place where people could settle and start new lives. The idea was to explore and develop the northern parts of Western Australia.

Why Did People Go There?

Many people hoped to find new opportunities. They wanted to farm, raise animals, or find valuable resources. Some families, like the Sholl family, moved there to be part of this new community.

The Journey to Camden Harbour

Ships were used to bring settlers and supplies to the new settlement. One ship, named Calliance, was unfortunately wrecked on the shores of Camden Harbour. This made things even harder for the early settlers.

Challenges Faced by Settlers

Life at Camden Harbour was very difficult. The land was not easy to farm. It was hard and stony, which made growing crops tough.

Problems with Farming

The grass in the area was not good for animals. The few sheep that the settlers brought became weak and started to die. This meant that farming and raising livestock were not successful.

A Visit from the Forlorn Hope

In June 1865, a small boat called the Forlorn Hope visited Camden Harbour. The crew met the leaders of the settlement. These leaders were Robert J. Sholl, who was the Government Resident, and James Cowle, the Government Surveyor.

The visitors saw that the settlers were feeling very sad and tired. Many of them had come from Victoria with high hopes. But the harsh conditions had made them lose their spirit.

What Happened to the Calliance?

As the crew of the Forlorn Hope left, they saw something interesting. The Victorian settlers were burning the remains of the Calliance ship. They were doing this to get the valuable copper sheathing from its hull. Copper was a useful material that could be sold or reused.

Changes and Departures

The difficult conditions led to many changes at the settlement. People started to leave.

The Doctor's Departure

Even the settlement's doctor, Charles Smith Bompas, didn't stay long. He had only been there for about a month. Robert J. Sholl dismissed him around October 1865. Soon after, Dr. Bompas left Camden Harbour on a ship called Kestrel.

The End of the Settlement

Camden Harbour did not last beyond 1865. The challenges of the land, the lack of resources, and the difficulties faced by the settlers meant that the community could not continue. It became a short but important part of Western Australia's history.

Camden Harbour Today

Even though the settlement didn't last, the location is still visited today. In recent times, Kimberley cruise ships often visit Camden Harbour. People can see the beautiful coastline and learn about the history of this early attempt at settlement.