ITINERANTS CAVE

690 DERRIMUT ROAD TARNEIT, WYNDHAM CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    ITINERANTS CAVE - History

    It's European use is supported by oral history that suggests the cave was used by swagmen during the 1930s depression.

    Updated history 15/8/2011: Du Cros and Watt (1993: 21) wrote that oral history sources indicated that the cave was utilized "by itinerants during the 19305 depression who would call at the adjacent farm house for food and then camp at the creek overnight". During discussions with the present property owner who currently resides in the 'adjacent farm house' and has lived within the activity area since the early 1960s informed that 'hobo type people' were still occasionally using the cave as a temporary residence when he was a child in the 1960s (personal communication, 15 August).

    Interpretation of Site

    ITINERANTS CAVE - Interpretation of Site

    No surface artefacts or associated material remains from the site's European use are located in the area. The site's function would be classifed as a shelter and activities at the site may be social and domestic, but no evidence of this exists on the surface.

    Archaeological Significance

    ITINERANTS CAVE - Archaeological Significance

    Although no surface remains exist to reveal the caves usage patterns, artefacts discarded by travelling swagmen (or lost) may remain in and around the subsurface layers of the cave. Archaeological excavation may prove fruitful. However, this is only a maybe and therefore the archaeological significance of this site is low.

    Updated 15/8/2011: It is possible that archaeological remains exist within the cave in subsurface soil deposits. If such deposits exist , they have the potential to contribute substantial information relating to the habitation and possibly inhabitants of the cave. Therefore, H7822-0140 (Itinerants Cave) has been assessed as having moderate archaeological significance.

    Historical Significance

    ITINERANTS CAVE - Historical Significance

    As a reflection of the large scale social effects of the 1930s depression, the cave holds medium historical significance.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    ITINERANTS CAVE - Heritage Inventory Description

    Updated 15/8/2011: This cave was originally recorded by du (ros and Watt in 1993 who described it as "a small overhang nestled in the scarp of a creek" adding that "the roof of the cave is punctured by several 'ventilation' holes: occupants evidently capitalized on this natural ventilation system as it would appear from blackened rocks that fires have been lit inside" (du Cros & Watt 1993: 20) . The dimensions of the cave are: opening/entrance - 270cm (across); Height - 110cm (at entrance); Front to back- 280cm (along cave floor); Centre width- 200cm (across floor); Centre height- 100 cm. Boxthorn and other weeds have overgrown the entrance to the cave making access difficult.

    Updated description: North facing cave positioned in the south side of Skeleton Creek. The cave has been formed through basalt boulders to create a cavern. The cave is 1.75 m wide at the opening, 2.75 m deep from the entrance to the back wall, and 1 m in height.

    [Reassessed for the Outer Western Metro Site Reassessment Project - Melton & Wyndham, March 2010]

    Previous description: North facing cave in rocky banks of Skeleton Creek measuring 2.2x2.75x1. Reportedly used by itinerants during 1930s depression. Rocks inside blackened by fire. Ventilation holes in roof of cave. Heritage Inventory Significance: The site, supported by oral history, is of local significance. It reflects the devasting wide-scale social effects of the 1930s Depression and the impact of government policy on sustenance.

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