Old Onslow
Old Onslow
We ventured away from the Ashburton River to explore the ruins of Old Onslow, located about 45 km from the current town. With 23 marked locations and countless relics scattered throughout the site, it's a fascinating place to wander. The heritage signs add real depth to the experience — though a good understanding of the history behind them makes the visit all the more rewarding. We ended up spending many hours soaking it all in.
Old Onslow, established in 1885 at the mouth of the Ashburton River, was built by local pastoralists, pioneers, and laborers
A Heritage Trail brochure available from the Goods Shed Museum.
The Old Onslow Heritage Trail Hub
This hub sits at the heart of the Old Onslow townsite, which was gazetted as a town in 1885 and abandoned in 1925. The striking architectural design of the shelter — with its layered circular canopies — is meant to evoke the shape of a cyclone or weather system, a nod to the repeated cyclones that ultimately doomed the original town.
Rob Roy Hotel — Site 06 "A home away from home" Est. 1886
Rob Roy Hotel
It's a fascinating piece of WA's north-west colonial history — a once-busy frontier pub that was literally packed up and carted away by donkeys when the town moved on.
After Onslow's relocation, part of the hotel buildings were dismantled and taken to the Clark's Wogoola Station.
A concrete roof set into the ground is the roof of an underground water tank once used by police.
The Police Station Complex would have been part of the original colonial-era town infrastructure.
The ruins are the stone remains of the gaol, courthouse, police station, and police quarters.
None of the buildings remain intact, having suffered from vandalism and exposure to harsh climatic conditions.
The stone walls were constructed from local stone blocks with concrete quoins
Just a few of the sites with so much history located behind that signage.Hundreds of old bottles scattered throughout the area.
Tram Terminus connecting the town to the sea
https://www.australiasnorthwest.com/explore/pilbara/onslow/old-onslow-and-onslow-heritage-trail/
Old Onslow Cemetery — Memorial Plaque 2002
Magnificent but keep your wits about you.
That sunset photo looking so peaceful and inviting, followed immediately by the croc warning sign — says everything about the beautiful but wild northwest WA coast!
Cheers Rose
