GABO ISLAND SETTLEMENT

GABO ISLAND, UNINCORPORATED

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    GABO ISLAND SETTLEMENT - History

    Heritage Inventory History of Site:
    A sealing/whaling station was established on the island in the 1830s - 1840s. Following the wreck of the "Monumental City" in 1853, a lighthouse was constructed on the island, with associated service buildings.A quarry settlement was contructed on the site 1859 - 1862. This was abandoned in the 1880s. A radar facility was constructed and used c. 1939 - 1945.
    
    

    Interpretation of Site

    GABO ISLAND SETTLEMENT - Interpretation of Site

    Heritage Inventory Interpretation: 1. Possible location of the 1830s - 1840s sealing/whaling station (not yet identified). 2. 1850s - 1860s quarry and lighthouse service townships (many features extant). 3. WW 2 RAAF radar facility (not fully assessed).

    Heritage Inventory Description

    GABO ISLAND SETTLEMENT - Heritage Inventory Description

    The ruinous remains of an 1860s-1880s settlement and WWII radar facility service buildings. This site is also potentially the site of a sealing and whaling station.

    Heritage Inventory Significance: State. Preliminary assesssment indicates the site has high scientific (complexity, integrity) value, rarity, educational and historical values. HV criteria A, B, C and D

    Heritage Inventory Key Components: Structural remains extant include jetty shed and footings. The surface topography and vegetation clusters mark subsurface structural remains and archaeological deposits. Industrial remains associated with quarrying activities. Exotic plants, including fruit trees and bulbs. Heritage Inventory Site Features: 1. Architectural fabric - jetty shed (A1) and hut footings (A17). 2. Surface topography - mounds, depressions, looselt correlating with c. 1860s plan. 3. Clusters of exotic vegetation - boxthorn, also correlating with the 1860s plan. 4. Miscellaneous features - tramline, quarries, spoil heaps, moorings. (See report for full list.)

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  • 
    GABO ISLAND LIGHTSTATION

    

    Victorian Heritage Register H1843
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    STONE HUT RUINS, GABO ISLAND

    

    Victorian Heritage Inventory
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    Lighthouse Group

    

    National Trust H1843
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