Wilsons Promontory Refuge Cove

WILSONS PROMONTORY, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE

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Vic. War Heritage Inventory

Refuge Cove

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • Physical Description 1

    Wilsons Promontory Refuge Cove - Physical Description 1

    Refuge Cove is located on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory, south-east of Sealers Cove, sited between Smith Cove to the northeast and Larkin Cove to the southeast. A walking track winds south from the camping ground at Sealers Cove to the Refuge Cove camping ground at the southern end of the bay. A ranger's hut and amenities block are also based to the south of the cove, north of Cove Creek.
    

    Several archaeological features were recorded during survey work undertaken in February 2000. The archaeological evidence is thought to date from the period when quarrying was taking place and relate to the worker's settlement, 1859 - 1863. Remains include a square granite hearth structure, scattered granite slabs, a rectangular earthwork, a number of granite rocks in the sand dunes and artefact scatters of glass, metal, charcoal and ceramic. The remains of a jetty were also discovered during the archaeological investigation. Whale bones, scattered in the dunes, on the sea floor of both Refuge and Sealers Coves and positioned outside the gates of boaties' camp, are evidence of the whaling period. It is possible that archaeological evidence of the whaling activity underlies the later quarry related deposits.

    Physical Conditions

    Wilsons Promontory Refuge Cove - Physical Conditions

    State of the Historic Environment survey - Good condition see events

    Veterans Description for Public

    Wilsons Promontory Refuge Cove - Veterans Description for Public

    Refuge Cove located on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory, south of Sealers Cove, has important historical associations with the military during the Second World War. Between 1941 and 1946, the site was used by the military as a commando training centre and outstation.

    Permit Exemption Policy

    Wilsons Promontory Refuge Cove - Permit Exemption Policy

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    The purpose of the permit exemptions is to allow works that do not impact on the heritage significance of the place to occur without the need for a permit. Works other than those mentioned in the permit exemptions may be possible but will require either the written approval of the Executive Director or permit approval.
    
    The cultural heritage significance of Refuge Cove lies in its aesthetic, archaeological and historical values. The registered land has historical archaeological significance for its potential to provide evidence of the use and occupation of the site during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Any works affecting the disturbance of below ground components of the site are subject to the Executive Director's approval.
    
    It is important that the aesthetic qualities of the place are retained. The addition of new buildings or major changes to the landscaping of the registered land will be subject to permit application. General maintenance of the existing buildings on the registered land is permit exempt, accept where the works may involve sub-surface disturbance of the site.

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    REFUGE COVE

    

    Victorian Heritage Register H1729
  • REFUGE COVE GRANITE STRUCTURE

    

    Victorian Heritage Inventory
  • REFUGE COVE GRANITE SLABS

    

    Victorian Heritage Inventory
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