Working Life Heritage Trail expands to include Dunsborough
October 15, 2013 People following a popular South West heritage trail will now be encouraged to visit Dunsborough to learn more about the town’s maritime history. The historic Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, which was built in 1903, has been added to the Working Life Heritage Trail for the first time and will now be promoted to history buffs as a must-see attraction. A partnership between individual site operators and the South West Development Commission, the trail connects places which offer a window into how the region was shaped by pioneers and workers. Attractions include Yarloop Workshops, Wellington Dam, King Cottage Museum, Dardanup Heritage Park, Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park, and the Busselton Jetty. SWDC chairman Stuart Hicks said the lighthouse was a great addition to the trail, with the history of the site telling a fascinating story. “What people may not know is that three lighthouse keepers and their families originally lived and worked at Cape Naturaliste and that the three original lightkeepers’ quarters are still standing,” he said. “You can walk around the site and imagine what day-to-day life was like for the lightkeepers and their families. “Life revolved around night watches which were divided into three periods, one for each man. “During each watch the keeper had to wind the clockwork and carry whale oil or pump kerosene to the burner. “With no unpaid leave or travel assistance, lightkeepers remained at their isolated stations for many years and their children were home schooled.” …ENDS Media contact: Teneille Watson Community Relations Officer M: 0417 961 051 |