Quaranup

Quaranup, also known a Camp Quaranup and Albany Quarantine Station, was once a quarantine station in Albany, Western Australia; it now operates as a camp for tourists.

Quaranup
Quaranup from Atatürk Entrance
General information
TypeHistoric Quarantine Station
LocationAlbany, Western Australia
Coordinates35°03′08.7″S 117°54′48.6″E
Official nameQuaranup Complex
TypeState Registered Place
Designated14 December 2001
Reference no.84

Situated in a Class A nature reserve on the Vancouver Peninsula on the shoreline of Princess Royal Harbour opposite the Port of Albany, the camp has panoramic views of Albany. The complex consists of 17 separate stone and timber framed structures in varying architectural styles.[1]

The necessity of a quarantine station arose after a number of incidences involving sickness aboard ships arriving in Albany lead to demands for a quarantine station to be built close to the port. These included an illness on the Bombay in 1865, suspected smallpox on the Rangatira in 1872 and a sick passenger aboard the Baroda the following year.[2] No plans were made until a group of dignitaries including the Colonial Secretary, Frederick Barlee, were quarantined in tents during inclement weather on barren Mistaken Island for a period of two weeks.[3] The irate officials then took an interest in having a permanent quarantine station close to the port.[2] Tenders were called for and the facility was established in 1875.[4] Initially the centre consisted of only a caretaker's cottage and jetty costing £530.[2]

A powder magazine was built on Geake island, the windowless stone building with an iron door used to store ammunition was completed in 1878. Further additions to the complex were completed in 1897, including the doctor's and servant's quarters, isolation ward, mortuary, laundry, wash house, general store, and first class quarters. A fumigation bath house and a jetty were built in 1903.[1] The station was used to deal with various epidemics and diseases until 1930 with a final outbreak of influenza, after this the facility was virtually closed.[1]

During World War II the facility operated as a submarine base.[5] American servicemen were also billeted there for rest and recuperation in 1942.[1]

The station was decommissioned in 1956.[3] The Wheeler family then privately leased the station later the same year and the name was changed to Camp Quaranup.[4] The Wheelers operated the camp until 1970. The site was then vested in the Shire of Albany who subsequently leased the camp to the Albany Youth Committee in 1971.[1]

The station was classified by the National Trust in 1977. The complex was deemed significant for its architectural character and its historic foundation.[6]

In 1992 the Department of Sport and Recreation sub-leased the camp to Rob and Joanne Lucas for a period of five years with a five-year option.[7] A lookout was built at the highest point on the peninsula known as Quarantine Hill by the camp managers in 1997. Surrounding points of interest that can be seen form the lookout include; Cheyne Beach Whaling Station, Torndirrup National Park, Princess Royal Harbour, King George Sound, Goode Beach, Little Grove and Big Grove.[8]

The camp was closed for late 2005 and early 2006 and reopened by Premier Alan Carpenter in April 2006 after a A$1.1 million renovation. The kitchen was refurbished, toilet blocks upgraded, new water storage and filtration equipment installed and asbestos removed from the site.[5]

See also
  • List of places on the State Register of Heritage Places in the City of Albany

References
  1. "Quaranup Complex". InHerit. Heritage Council of Western Australia. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  2. "Quaranup". Albany Region. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  3. "An insight into Albany's history" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 February 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  4. "Camp Quaranup". Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  5. "New lease of life for historic Albany recreation camp". Media Statement. Government of Western Australia. 28 April 2006. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  6. "Quaranup Complex (former Quarantine Station), Quaranup Road, Albany". National Trust of Western Australia. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  7. "Details about future of Camp Quaranup at Albany". Media Statements. Government of Western Australia. 24 November 1992. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  8. "Heart Attack Hill". Groundspeak, Inc. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
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