Old Ord River Homestead - WA

The Old Ord Homestead was the first station to be established in the East Kimberley, in 1884 by Nat Buchanan, a pastoralist and explorer. The place comprises an old stone homestead, constructed to suit the local environment. Built of local stone and whitewashed, the walls are shaded by wide verandahs which are supported by rough 'bush-poles'. The whole building is covered by a canopy of corrugated iron, in keeping with other structures in the district, since iron was easily transported, and was beneficial for its ability to form a large insulating volume of air. A fine example of the local vernacular architecture built in response to the environment.This is a heritage listed site but it has not been restored. Please be very gentle with this relic. Camping is permitted at this site (near the road) or there is a little dry season camping spot on the river (on flat rock) about 3km down the track. Enough room to turn around with a trailer or small caravan. Not possible to use tent pegs into the ground however as its all rock.