History of Halls Creek

Birth of a Legend: The Gold Rush

The history of Halls Creek is inextricably linked to a turning point in the development of Western Australia. The town is regarded as the site of the first true gold rush in the state. Its foundation dates back to 1885, when prospector Charles Hall and his companions discovered a significant deposit of gold here.

This discovery instantly attracted thousands of adventurers who rushed to the remote Kimberley region, hoping to strike it rich. In a short time, the makeshift camp transformed into a bustling centre for the extraction of the precious metal.

Key Factors of Development

The town's development followed a unique scenario, dictated by harsh conditions and geography:

• Geographical Location: The town emerged on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. Isolation and a challenging climate made it one of the most inaccessible settlements on the continent in the 19th century.
• Economic Transformation: When gold reserves were depleted, the town did not vanish like many other settlements of that era. It repurposed itself as a trading and service hub for the surrounding cattle stations.
• Relocation of the Town: A unique feature of Halls Creek's history is its relocation. In 1955, the settlement (now known as Old Halls Creek) was moved approximately 15 kilometres. This was necessary to improve water supply and provide direct access to the new airstrip and the Great Northern Highway.

Early Culture and Daily Life

In its first decades, Halls Creek was characterised by the rugged temperament typical of frontier towns. Life here demanded exceptional endurance from settlers. The early economy relied on supply trading, mining, and pastoralism.

Indigenous peoples (the Jaru and Kija) have always played a significant role in the history and culture of the area. Their deep knowledge of survival in the bush and their skills working on cattle stations became an integral part of the region's formation.

Major Historical Milestones

• Millennia ago — The lands of the Kimberley region are inhabited by the Indigenous Jaru and Kija peoples, forming the area's unique cultural landscape.
• 1885 — Prospector Charles Hall discovers the first significant gold deposit, sparking the first gold rush in Western Australia.
• 1887 — The settlement officially receives town status and becomes the administrative centre for thousands of arriving gold seekers.
• 1918 — The Australian Inland Mission hospital building is constructed; its ruins are a major landmark of Old Halls Creek today.
• 1920s — With the depletion of gold reserves, the town's economy shifts to servicing the surrounding cattle stations.
• 1948 — A strategic decision is made to relocate the town due to acute water shortages and the inaccessibility of the old site.
• 1955 — Halls Creek officially moves 15 kilometres west, closer to the airport and the Great Northern Highway.
• 1983 — A documentary film crew reveals the Bungle Bungle Range to the world, giving a powerful boost to tourism in the district.
• 1998 — The Yarliyil Art Centre is founded, becoming the main venue for local artists and the preservation of cultural heritage.
• 2003 — Purnululu National Park, to which the town serves as a gateway, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2009 — The modern Aquatic and Recreation Centre opens, significantly improving the town's social infrastructure.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Halls Creek is an example of remarkable adaptation. From a makeshift prospectors' camp to a vital logistical hub of the Kimberley, the town has passed through several critical transformations that defined its modern economic and cultural character.

• Foundation of the Gold Rush (1885–1890): The discovery of gold became the catalyst for the settlement of the East Kimberley region. This event not only put the town on the map but also led to the creation of the first infrastructure in this remote part of Australia, paving the way for further territorial development.
• Transition to Pastoralism (Early 20th Century): After the gold veins ran dry, the town avoided the fate of a "ghost town" by reorienting towards cattle farming. The establishment of large stations (ranches) provided a stable economic base and cemented Halls Creek's status as a trading centre for farmers.
• Unique Urban Manoeuvre (1955): The complete relocation of the town 15 kilometres away was an unprecedented event. This decision solved the water deficit problem and, more importantly, connected the settlement to the main transport artery—the Great Northern Highway—ensuring the town's logistical survival.
• Opening the Bungle Bungle to the World (1980s): Media coverage of the Purnululu mountain range radically changed the town's economy. Tourism turned into a leading industry, requiring the creation of new infrastructure: hotels, tour agencies, and an upgraded airport.
• Institutionalisation of Art (1998): The founding of the Yarliyil Art Centre became a significant cultural milestone. This allowed for the monetisation of the unique creativity of local "Kimberley school" artists, integrating Indigenous culture into the town's modern economy and attracting collectors from around the world.
• Modern Modernisation (2000s — Present): The construction of new public facilities, such as the Aquatic Centre, and airport renovations have transformed Halls Creek from a simple stopover point into a comfortable administrative centre with a developed social environment for residents and travellers.

Architectural Duality: Two Towns

The urban planning history of Halls Creek is unique in that it is divided into two distinct periods and two different locations. The architectural appearance of the town cannot be judged by classical European canons; a strictly practical approach prevails here, dictated by the harsh desert climate, isolation, and available materials. Development progressed from makeshift structures of the gold rush era to a planned modern settlement.

Eras and Styles

Two main stages can be distinguished in the architecture of Halls Creek, each corresponding to its location and historical context:

• Frontier Era (1885–1954) — Old Halls Creek:

  Characterised by the style of Australian colonial vernacular. Due to the lack of imported building materials, settlers used what was at hand. The primary construction method became raising walls from adobe bricks (a mixture of clay, earth from termite mounds, and grass), while roofs were covered with corrugated iron delivered on camels or wagons. Buildings were simple, single-storey, and functional.

• Modernisation Era (since 1955) — New Halls Creek:

  Represents an example of mid-20th-century functionalism and modern outback architecture. The new town was built according to a plan near the airfield and highway. Lightweight structures, prefabricated houses, and concrete public buildings prevail here, designed with heat protection in mind (wide verandas, cross-ventilation).

Iconic Structures and Sites

Although there are no grand cathedrals or palaces in the town, the preserved and new objects vividly illustrate the history of survival in the Kimberley:

• Ruins of the Old Post Office: The most recognisable monument of the Old Town. The adobe brick walls, partially preserved to this day, demonstrate construction technologies of the late 19th century and the harsh daily life of the first settlers.
• Lodge Building in the Old Town: The remnants of a former hotel and store, also made from local clay materials, serve as a reminder of the gold rush times.
• Yarliyil Art Centre: An example of modern architecture integrated into the cultural context. The building serves not only as a gallery but also as a public space, reflecting the importance of Indigenous art in the life of the modern town.
• Statue of Russian Jack: Although this is a sculpture rather than a building, it is an important urban element in the town centre, immortalising the legends of the prospecting era.

Iconic Figures in the Town's History

The history of Halls Creek was created by people of strong character: pioneers, Indigenous leaders, and public figures. Below are key personalities whose names are inextricably linked with this region.

• Charles Hall
  Role: Geologist, prospector, founder

  It was his discovery of alluvial gold in 1885 that sparked the first gold rush in Western Australia. The town is named in his honour, immortalising the memory of the man who put this remote corner on the continent's map.

• Ivan Fredericks, "Russian Jack"
  Role: Prospector, folklore hero

  A legendary figure of the gold rush era. He became a national symbol of Australian "mateship" (camaraderie) after pushing a sick friend in a wheelbarrow for about 300 km through the harsh desert to the nearest medical aid. A monument is erected to him in the town centre.

• Jack Jugarie
  Role: Police tracker, Jaru elder

  A local legend and respected elder known for his phenomenal tracking skills. For decades, he assisted the police in searching for missing persons in the bush. He lived a long life (according to some sources, over 100 years) and became a symbol of the wisdom of the Kimberley Indigenous peoples.

• Ernie Bridge
  Role: Politician, country singer

  A Halls Creek native who became the first Indigenous person to hold a ministerial post in the Western Australian government. He was actively involved in water resource issues and infrastructure development in remote regions.

• John Flynn
  Role: Priest, public figure

  Founder of the famous Royal Flying Doctor Service. Although he did not live here permanently, it was on his initiative that the Australian Inland Mission hospital was built in Old Halls Creek in 1918. The ruins of this building are one of the main historical attractions today.

• Josie Farrer
  Role: Parliamentarian, community leader

  A woman of the Gidja people who lived and worked in Halls Creek for a long time. She was elected to the state parliament, where she championed the rights of Kimberley residents, paying special attention to cultural preservation and improving living conditions in communities.