JCCWA Run to Woodman Point Quarantine Station and Lunch at Bistro 21
Prepare for a journey through the annals of Western Australia's rich history as members embark on an exclusive exploration of the enigmatic Woodman Point Quarantine Station.
On Sunday 23rd June, at 10 o'clock, our hosts, the Friends of Woodman Point Quarantine Station, shall unveil the secrets of this storied locale. A rendezvous at the old Plague Hospital shall mark the commencement of our two-hour walking tour, promising revelations aplenty amidst its ancient walls. Ample parking shall be provided, ensuring a seamless commencement to our tour.
At 11am, we shall pause for a respite, indulging in the finest morning tea amidst the whispers of history, all for a modest sum of $25 per member. Located at the O'Kane Court, off Cockburn Road in Coogee, the quarantine station stands as a testament to bygone eras, its legacy woven intricately into the tapestry of our state's narrative.
As we venture into the heart of antiquity, where the shadows of the past dance with the light of the present. Behold the solemn majesty of the 1900-1901 crematorium, its timeworn stones bearing witness to the toll of infectious maladies, including the infamous plague. This venerable structure, believed to be Australia's oldest crematorium, serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life.
But the tales of the quarantine station extend beyond the confines of the crematorium, beckoning us to explore the Isolation Hospital, erected in tandem with its macabre counterpart. Within its walls, patients afflicted with leprosy, measles, and scarlet fever sought solace amidst the ravages of contagion. Amidst the modernized facades that now house recreation camps, relics of a bygone era remain, including the stark remnants of the shower and fumigation block, silent sentinels to the trials endured by those quarantined.
Gaze upon the tranquil expanse that surrounds us, for it harbors secrets untold. The shores bear witness to the arrival of some 350-400 vessels, their crews and cargo held in the firm grip of quarantine's embrace. In 1918, the HMAT Boonah returned from Durban, its decks laden with soldiers stricken by the Spanish Flu. A testament to courage and sacrifice, WA nurses heeded the call, tending to the afflicted amidst the halls of the quarantine station. Twenty-seven men and four nurses died of influenza and were honoured at the Boonah Century Commemoration Ceremony in December 2018.
Following the tour, we will take the short drive along the coast to our lunch destination at Bistro 21, 21 Ocean Drive, South Fremantle, where we are booked in for 12.30pm. Bistro 21 will provide some allocated parking, but space will also depend on the number of beachgoers on the day.
If you are interested in joining us on a journey into WA’s colourful past, please sign up. Numbers are limited to 25 persons. Any queries to Ian and Michele Muir, 0423 918 030 or email michelem2_2000@yahoo.com
