List of State Register of Heritage Places on Rottnest Island facts for kids
The State Register of Heritage Places is like a special list of important buildings and places in Western Australia. It's looked after by the Heritage Council of Western Australia. As of 2023, there are 42 places on Rottnest Island that are considered heritage sites. Out of these, 22 are so important that they are on the State Register of Heritage Places! This means they are protected because they tell us a lot about the island's history.
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Rottnest Island's Special Heritage Sites
Rottnest Island has many amazing places that are officially listed on the Western Australian State Register of Heritage Places. These sites help us learn about the island's past, from its early days to its role in defence. Here are some of the cool places you can find:
Thomson Bay Settlement: The Heart of the Island
The Thomson Bay Settlement is the main town area on Rottnest Island. It was first built around 1840. This whole area is a heritage site because it shows how the island developed. It includes many old buildings like cottages, the hotel (which used to be the Governor's home!), and even a building that was once a school for boys.
- Buckingham Palace (Lomas Cottage): This cottage, built in 1871, is part of the Thomson Bay Settlement. It's a charming old building with a fun nickname!
- Salt Store: Also known as the Board Offices, this building is another part of the Thomson Bay Settlement. It was likely used for storing salt, which was an important resource.
- The Lodge: Built in 1864, this building has had many uses. It was once a boys' school, a reformatory, and even a prison or hospital for Aboriginal people. It's a key part of the Thomson Bay Settlement's history.
- Rottnest Island Hotel: This hotel, built in 1864, was once the Governor's residence. It's also been called the Quokka Arms Hotel. It's a central part of the Thomson Bay Settlement.
- Old Chapel (former): Built in 1862, this building used to be a school. It's another important part of the Thomson Bay Settlement.
- General Store: This store, built in 1859, has served the island's community for a very long time. It's part of the Thomson Bay Settlement.
- Pilots House: Built in 1844, this house was used by pilots who guided ships. It's also known as Cottages K1 and K2 and is part of the Thomson Bay Settlement.
Defending the Island: Barracks and Batteries
Rottnest Island played an important role in Australia's defence, especially during World War II. Several heritage sites show this history:
- Kingstown Barracks: This defence complex was built in 1938. It's located at Phillip Point and Bickley Point. It was designed in the "Inter War Art Deco style," which was popular for buildings between the two World Wars.
- Bickley Battery: This site is part of the Kingstown Barracks. It includes two large 6-inch guns and the living quarters for the soldiers who operated them.
- Oliver Hill Battery: Located on Oliver Hill, this battery was built in 1936. It's famous for its two huge 9.2-inch guns. It also had a signal station and an observation post.
Lighthouses: Guiding Ships Safely
Lighthouses are very important for guiding ships and keeping them safe. Rottnest Island has two historic lighthouses on the State Register:
- Bathurst Lighthouse & Quarters: This lighthouse was built in 1896 at Bathurst Point. It's made of limestone and has nearby quarters for the lighthouse keepers. It's built in the "Federation Free Classical" style.
- Rottnest Island Light Station (Wadjemup Lighthouse): Also built in 1896, this lighthouse is on Wadjemup Road. It's also known as Wadjemup Hill Lighthouse. It's one of only two lighthouses of its specific type in Western Australia.
Nature and Environment: Salt Lakes
- Salt Lakes Conservation Area: This area includes the island's salt lakes, like Government House Lake and Lake Baghdad. These lakes cover about ten percent of the island and are an important natural feature. This area is also part of the Thomson Bay Settlement Precinct.
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