Davidson Whaling Station

Item details


Name of item:	Davidson Whaling Station
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Whaling Station
Location:	Lat: -37.1117033075 Long: 149.9157362770
Primary address:	35km South of, Eden, NSW 2551
Parish:	Kiah
County:	Auckland
Local govt. area:	Bega Valley
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Eden

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	50	DP	1186363
LOT	10	DP	1200475
LOT	41	DP	750213
LOT	52	DP	750213
LOT	61	DP	750213
LOT	62	DP	750213

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
35km South of	Eden	Bega Valley	Kiah	Auckland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
National Parks and Wildlife Service	State Government	28 Jul 97

Statement of significance:


	Davidson Whaling Station is of State significance. It was the longest operating whaling station in Australia and the last of its type to close down. It has associations with the 19th century shore-based whaling industry of south east Australia and with the Imlay brothers, Benjamin Boyd, Oswald Brierly, the Davidson and Boyd families and the Aboriginal whalers and their families. Although some of the structures are no longer extant, the remaining features reflect the original use of the site as a whaling station. Later additions associated with the Boyd occupation are of a lesser significance, representing the rural retreat of professional people. The entire site is relatively undisturbed and has high archaeological potential to contribute information on shore-based whaling, Aboriginal and European contact and 20th century alternative lifestyles. The site with its small cottage buildings, fruit trees and garden flowers, and overlooking the tryworks and Kiah Inlet, has an undisturbed sense of history (NSW National Parks 1995: 5).
	Date significance updated: 13 May 05
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Construction years:	1896-1896
Physical description:	Davidson Whaling Station is located on the southern shore of Twofold Bay, 35km by road south of Eden on Kiah Inlet at the mouth of the Towamba River. The buildings still existing on the site comprise the cottage 'Loch Garra', the detached kitchen/dining room which may have pre-dated the cottage, a garden shed and a shower shed built by the Boyds. The buildings are of timber construction with traditional weatherboards or timber slab external cladding and corrugated iron roofing. Remnants of the Davidson's gardens include the collapsed and overgrown fences of the orchard to the east of the cottage garden and the lawn outside the garden fence. This section also includes an old dam. The existing garden, a creation of the Boyds, Only fragments of the brick footings and fireplace, some roofing timbers and three ship's tanks used as pots for the storage and transport of whale blubber remain on the site. The remainder of the site consists of an open woodland of woollybutt and silver-top ash on the exposed ridge, with a moist forest of black wattle and pittosporum in the gullies and monkey gum with bracken undergrowth on the slopes above Kiah Inlet. Historic artefacts occur throughout the site. A number of Aboriginal middens have been recorded. One is located under the brick footings of the tryworks and extends towards the inlet. Another, located above the cottages, is known to have been the site of a women's camp during the whaling period. A large midden is located on the headland and isolated shells and artefects are scattered throughout the site. A shield tree, now dead, is enclosed in situ within the storage compound. (NSW National Parks 1995: 3, 8-12)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Archaeological Potential - High
	Date condition updated:28 Jul 97


Current use:	National Park
Former use:	Aboriginal land, Whaling Station

History

Historical notes:

Shore based whaling at Twofold Bay began in 1828 and was undertaken by numerous whaling groups, the main ones being the Imlay brothers, Benjamin Boyd and the Davidson family. Old open boat techniques were in continuous use at Twofold Bay for over 100 years.

Benjamin Boyd was a London stockbroker, who invested in Eden with a view to entering the commercial and shipping fields of the southern lands. He sent the paddle steamer 'Seahorse' from Gravesend in 1840 for Sydney. In 1842 a second paddle steamer 'Juno' arrived in Sydney. In June 1842 a third paddle steamer, 'Cornubia', arrived. Boyd proposed using these in a proposed coastal steamship service. He floated a company, the Royal Bank of Australia, largely subscribed by Scottish investors and with London directors. He formed the Australian Wool Company - in reality a proprietory concern owned by Boyd with one of his brothers, Mark Boyd. 'Seahorse' started plying the waters between Ports Jackson and Phillip, and to Launceston. 'Juno' was not put into service for some time, and 'Cornubia' seems to have been practically idle for longer. Duplication of steamer routes by competition was among his difficulties. Boyd acquired a large amount of land (e.g. in the Riverina and Monaro) on which he had vast herds of cattle and sheep depastured. In 1845 he had risen to the next-most important land holder to the Crown. Twofold Bay was chosen as his important port, and appropriate conveniences ordered to be provided. An hotel was designed and commenced construction in 1842. A large store, a suitable collectoin of buildings and furnaces to render cattle and sheep for tallow, a jetty for vessels to berth, load and discharge cargoes, wells for fresh water supply for settlement and shipping, a 3-storied brick woolshed, vegetable gardens and orchards laid out, necessary dwellings for staff and employees, were put in hand. A township began to appear on the flat land behind the sandy beach edging South Bay (Wellings, 3-5).

Twofold Bay's advantages for shipping were not its only attraction (for Boyd). Shore whaling had been in existence for over 15 years prior to his arrival (in 1842). Deep-sea whale ships had frequented the port for the unique opportunity of completing the try-out of oil from whale carcasses. Boyd added both phases of whaling to his undertakings. In 1844 no less than 30 whale boats - both 5 and 7 oar amongst them - were equipped and ready during the active season, for instant pursuit of any leviathan which might venture within reasonable distance of the port. As many as nine deep-sea whalers have been recorded as taking shelter or refitting in Twofold Bay at the same time (ibid, 6).

From 1843-47, the active interests at Twofold Bay were Benjamin Boyd and the Imlay brothers, each having well-founded whaling stations and well-equipped boats and gear, their crews being led by men experienced in whaling. In addition, the bay was the regular resort of deep-sea (cf shore) whaling vessels, whereat many a 'full' barque spent a week or more 'trying out' the blubber of whales caught at sea. Owing to the immense number of leviathans in the vicinity of Twofold Bay, the masters deemed it better to catch whales and subsequently try them out in the security of that harbour (ibid, 42).

The Aborigines employed as whalers by Boyd and the Imlays were men of peculiar habits. Able to row speedily and strongly in short bursts, they were valuable adjuncts to a shore whaling party. Such attributes meant quick fastening and possibly rapid killing of whales. Their vision was superior to that of European crews - they needed no telescopes. In sustained endurance they fell short of the white crews, but records prove that upon the whole the black crews captured almost as many whales as European crews. During the season the natives lived much as the white men did - they returned to their native state when the season was over and their engagement completed. It is recorded that in 1844 no leass than 18 Aboriginals were employed by Imlays in whaling, whilst Boyd had two boat-crews of Aboriginals (ibid, 45).

From 1843-47 competition in shore whaling was so keen that no less than 30 whaleboats were actively engaged in the business. Sperm whales taken from 1843-47 and the products passing through Sydney Customs represented 4389 tons of oil, valued at 312,713 pounds. Benjamin Boyd participated in Black Whale oil and Whalebone whaling (ibid, 46, 47).

By 1847 the affairs of Boyd's undertakings were hopelessly entangled: Benjamin Boyd was compromised and superseded by William Sprot Boyd, who would appear to have been a first cousin. He soon found (on arrival in the colony) that he had no alternative but to wind up the affairs of the Royal Bank of Australia as quickly as he might, while at the same time salvaging assets. By 1849 the operations at Twofold Bay had ceased entirely, and year by year buildings - many of which had never reached completion - began to fall into disrepair and decay. The various station properties were gradually disposed of, stock given away, the 3 steamers passed into other hands, as did the whaling fleet, the shore whaling crews and equipment were distributed among adventuring parties, the whole venture wrecked (ibid, 7-8).

The Davidson family began whaling around 1860. A tryworks for boiling down the blubber was built inside Kiah Inlet, possibly on the site of an earlier tryworks, where whales could be drawn up on a sandy beach. In 1896 George Davidson built the cottage, Loch Garra, above the tryworks on 17 acres of leasehold land. This land now comprises the majority of the historic site. In 1920 when Davidson applied to convert his leasehold to free title his holding consisted of a cleared, partly fenced area with a 6 room weather-board house, detached kitchen, workshop, established orchard, garden, and dam. Further outbuildings and additions to the cottage were added later.

Until the first decade of the twentieth century, whaling was carried out almost full time from the station by Alexander Davidson, his son John and grandson George. A catch of 10-15 whales each season was reported. After that time whaling became an opportunistic activity with George Davidson undertaking farming and grazing on the site to buffer the whaling station against fluctuations in the market and uneven seasonal catches. By 1925 the enire catch for the season was reported at 2 whales.

In 1927 Davidson Whaling Station was described by Professor Dakin, an early authority on the marine biology of the Australian coastline, as dating from Melville's time, using the technologies of 'the old bay whalers of the 1840s'.In 1929 the last Whale was caught at Twofold Bay. The Davidsons moved from the station in the 1940s.

Dr and Mrs Boyd, who purchased the property for a private residence in 1954, replanted much of the garden area and made further additions to the cottage.

In 2019 the 31km "Light to Light" 3-day walk along the coast in Ben Boyd National Park opened to tourists. Associated are several guided walking tours along sections, Light to Light camps (a 2-day version) and a pack-free option with busses back to accommodation after each day's tramping. Plans are afoot to realign some sections of track (to bring it closer to the sea) and install huts for walkers as part of a $7.8m development to improve facilities and attract more visitors (Ticher, 18/11/2019).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Lakes and wetlands supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Yuin Nation - Continuing traditional knowledge-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Aboriginal post-contact-May include sites of contact with Europeans, conflict, resistance, interaction and urban life.
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Fishing-Activities associated with gathering, producing, distributing, and consuming resources from aquatic environments useful to humans.	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Fishing-Activities associated with gathering, producing, distributing, and consuming resources from aquatic environments useful to humans.	Whaling and sealing for commercial gain-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Fishing-Activities associated with gathering, producing, distributing, and consuming resources from aquatic environments useful to humans.	Hunting whales-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Fishing-Activities associated with gathering, producing, distributing, and consuming resources from aquatic environments useful to humans.	Hunting whales-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Factories-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with George Robert Johnston, gentleman farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Alexander Davidson, whaler-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Davidson, whaler-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with George Davidson (Jr.), whaler, farmer, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dr and Mrs Boyd, Eden residents-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Davidson whaling station is the longest operating whaling station in Australia and the last o its type to close down. It has associations with the 19th century whaling industry in Australia and the shore based whaling industry of the south east coast of Australia. The station is associated with the Davidson family, and through that family and its activities, it had associations with benjamin Boyd, Oswald Brierly and the Imlay brothers during the 1830s and 1840s. Whaling at Twofold Bay utilised Aboriginal labour to a remarkable extant throughout its 100 years of operation. From the mid 19th century there is historical evidence of a combination of traditional Aboriginal and European whaler lifestyles among the Aborigines engaged in whaling. Davidson Whaling Station is one of few shore based whaling stations in Australia with in situ remains. These include the remains of the tryworks, the cottage and living quarters, some components of the garden and many artefacts from the whaling period. The cottage and kitchen building provide evidence of a lengthy European occupation of the site, and in particular, direct reference to the occupation of the site by the Davidson (1860s - 1940s) and Boyd (1952-1984) families. Davidson Whaling Station was associated with several other whaling sies around Twofold Bay such as Boydtown, Boyds Tower and East Boyd. In addition to its whaling history, the site contains evidence of early to mid twentieth century bush architecture and cottage gardening practices. NSW National Park 1995: 3-4)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Davidson Whaling Station is located in a spectacular natural setting and possesses a tranquility and sense of remoteness and respite from the developed world. There is a demonstratable relation between the built environment, the garden landscape and the natural setting. The location of the whaling station on the edge of Kiah Inlet with a backdrop of native forest is particularly attractive. The rather delapidated appearance of the buildings makes the visitor aware of the processes of time while at the same time creaing a strong sense of the past. The gardens and the wide variety of birds seen and heard at the site also contribute to Davidson Whaling Station's high aesthetic value. (NSW National Parks 1995:3)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The historic structures and records illustrate clearly the living and working conditions of a whaling station. The site is important as a social focus for many Davidson descendants, descendants of the Aboriginal whalers and other figures associated with the whaling industry who are residents of the Eden District. (NSW National Parks 1995: 4)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	As the longest operating shore based whaling station on the east coast of Australia, Davidson Whaling Station is a most significant archaeologicla resource. It possesses a relatively undisturbed sequence of prehistoric and historic archaeological remains which have the potential to provide information on pre-European Aboriginal lifestyles and practices, the Aboriginal European contact period and 20th century isolated lifestyles. The tryworks site is tangible evidence of the 'trying down' processes at the whaling station and is the only such site remaining in Australia. The tryworks site comprises remnants of the brick footings and hearth once used to boil down whale blubber, a number of timber artefacts and three ships tanks. The tryworks were built on top of an Aboriginal midden from which an archaeological investigation revealed the remains of a dingo. (NSW National Parks 1995: 4)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Davidson Whaling Station is the longest operating whaling station in Australia , the last of its type to close down and one of few shore based whaling station with in situ remains. (NSW National Parks 1995: 3-4)
Integrity/Intactness:	The entire site is relatively undisturbed although some structures are no longer extant. (NSW National Parks 1995: 5)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Carry out an Archaeological Assessment
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00984	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
National Parks & Wildlife Service Section 170 Register			National Parks & Wildlife Service		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism	National Parks and Wildlife Service	2007	Davidson Whaling Station	View detail
Written	NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service	1995	Davidson Whaling Station Historic. Site Plan of Management.
Written	Rabe, Tom	2022	World's biggest cruise ships to dock at Eden under NSW government plan	View detail
Written	Ticher, Mike	2019	Whale trail: the magnificent remoteness of the Light to Light walk	View detail
Tourism	Visit NSW	2007	Davidson Whaling Station	View detail
Written	Wellings, H.P.		Benjamin Boyd in Australia (1842-1849) - Shipping Magnate: Merchant: Banker: Pastoralist and Station Owner: MLC: Town Planner: Whaler

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5000659

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