Wattoning Historial Site - WA

The Wattoning gnamma hole was an important water site for Aborigines. In the late 1800’s two rock lined wells and a soak were constructed by early pastoralists and precious water was carted from these by pastoralists, sandalwood cutters and prospectors. The water was lifted by buckets tied to a rope.A homestead was constructed in 1873 by James Ward who lived here until about 1890 when it was then inhabited by the Ives Family and then later still by the Hall Family. Both families lost children who are buried in the small graveyard alongside an earlier pioneer. The homestead was then vacant after the tragic death of Mr Hall’s child. Their stories are told on the excellent interpretive signage at the gravesite.The vacant homestead was then used as a camp by Sandalwooders, who would pull wood in the bush and bring it back to Wattoning for cutting and cleaning. Wattoning homestead was burnt down sometime after 1911. Local Legend has it that some of these men, having too much to drink, became careless and a fire started which quickly gutted the thatched house. At the homestead site there is a picnic table and signage describing life at Wattoning in the early days. There are also the remains of a soak and two wells.