History of Onslow

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the town of Onslow begins in 1883. The original settlement was founded at the mouth of the Ashburton River and was named in honor of Sir Alexander Onslow, who held the position of Chief Justice of Western Australia at the time. Initially, the town was conceived as a strategic port for exporting produce from the region.

Key Development Factors

The development of the settlement was determined by a complex combination of geographical and climatic conditions:

• Port Function: The town became a vital hub for servicing the vast pastoral stations of the Pilbara region, providing a maritime route for trade.
• Struggle with the Elements: A unique chapter in the town's history was its relocation. Due to the constant silting of the river and frequent destruction from cyclones, the town was completely moved in 1925 to a new location—at Beadon Point, where it remains today. The ruins of "Old Onslow" have been preserved as a historical monument.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of the early period consisted of sheep farming and pearl diving. The local port was actively used for wool exports and also served as a supply point for prospectors heading to the goldfields in the interior regions. Life in the settlement was shaped by the harsh climate and remoteness from major centers, which hardened the character of the local residents.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1883 — The initial settlement was founded at the mouth of the Ashburton River, receiving the name Onslow in honor of the colony's Chief Justice.
• 1925 — Due to the constant changing of the riverbed and problems with port access, the process of relocating the town to a new site at Beadon Point began.
• 1927 — The new settlement was officially proclaimed a town, while the old site (Old Onslow) gradually fell into disrepair.
• 1943 — During World War II, the town was bombed by Japanese aviation, becoming the southernmost point attacked in Australia.
• 1952 — The United Kingdom conducted its first nuclear test (Operation Hurricane) on the nearby Montebello Islands, impacting the region's history.
• 1963 — The destructive Cyclone Trixie struck the coast, destroying the town jetty and damaging numerous buildings.
• 1997 — The Onslow Salt company began industrial mining and export of salt, creating new jobs.
• 1999 — The powerful tropical Cyclone Vance passed in close proximity to the town, bringing record wind gusts.
• 2011 — The final investment decision for the Wheatstone gas project was made, providing a powerful impulse for infrastructure development.
• 2017 — The first shipment of liquefied natural gas was dispatched from the new Wheatstone plant.
• 2021 — Construction was completed and a new modern hospital was opened, significantly improving medical services in the district.

City Evolution: From Port to Energy Hub

The path of Onslow is a story of constant adaptation to harsh conditions and the search for new economic niches. Throughout its history, the town has undergone several radical transformations, turning from a remote pastoral settlement into a modern industrial center of Western Australia.

• Foundation of Trade Gateways (1883): The emergence of the town at the mouth of the Ashburton River was crucial for the Pilbara region. It became a key logistics hub for exporting wool from local pastures and a center for pearl diving, which laid the first economic foundation of the settlement.
• Urban Relocation (1925): A unique event in the town's history was its complete relocation to Beadon Point. This decision not only saved the settlement from river silting but also allowed for the creation of more reliable port infrastructure, defining the town's modern geography.
• Military-Strategic Role (1940s): During World War II, the town acquired important defense significance, becoming a refueling base for Allied submarines. This period left a mark on cultural memory and infrastructure, highlighting the importance of the town's location in the Indian Ocean.
• Industrialization through Salt Mining (1997): The launch of the Onslow Salt project became a turning point that diversified the economy. The appearance of large-scale salt fields and a specialized jetty turned the town into a significant player in the global industrial salt market.
• Gas Boom and Modernization (2011–2017): The implementation of the Wheatstone Project attracted multi-billion dollar investments. This led to the most large-scale urban transformation: the construction of a new airport, a modern hospital, an aquatic complex, and the renewal of utility networks.
• Development of a Tourism Cluster (Modernity): In recent years, the town is actively redefining itself as a tourism center. Waterfront improvements and the development of infrastructure for access to the Mackerel Islands open a new chapter in the cultural and economic life of the region.

Urban Evolution: Two Towns in One History

The architectural chronicle of Onslow is unique in that the town was essentially built twice. The urban development of this remote corner of Australia is clearly divided into the era of "Old Onslow" (1883–1925) and the modern settlement at Beadon Point. Due to severe climatic conditions and frequent cyclones, architecture here has always borne a utilitarian character, where aesthetics were subordinate to the necessity of survival and safety.

Architectural Styles and Materials

In the town's appearance, one can trace the shift in construction approaches, dictated by the availability of resources and the development of technologies for protection against the elements:

• Colonial Functionalism (Late 19th — Early 20th Century): This style characterizes the ruins of Old Onslow. Buildings were erected from local stone and limestone with thick walls for thermal regulation. Remnants of the stone prison and courthouse have survived to this day, demonstrating the monumentality of administrative structures of that era.
• Australian Vernacular (Mid-20th Century): After the town's relocation in 1925, the main vector became lightness and repairability. Wood, fibre cement, and corrugated iron were widely used. Houses were built considering wind loads, often with wide verandas for shade, which is typical for settlements in the Pilbara region.
• Modern Industrial Style (21st Century): The economic boom caused by gas and salt projects brought modern architecture to the town. New public buildings (airport, hospital, aquatic center) are executed in a concise style using steel and glass, but with reinforced structures designed for the highest category of cyclones.

Iconic Structures and Districts

Despite its small size, the town features objects that vividly reflect its history and character:

• "Old Onslow" Historic District: A kind of open-air museum where the stone ruins of the old town contrast with the red desert earth.
• Goods Shed Museum: The building of a former goods warehouse, transported from the old location. This is a classic example of wooden utility architecture from the early 20th century.
• Water Towers: An example of modern urbanism, where utilitarian concrete structures have been turned into art objects thanks to large-scale murals depicting local flora and fauna.

Historical Figures and Modern Personalities

The history of the town of Onslow has been shaped by many bright individuals: from pioneers and pastoralists to custodians of Indigenous culture and local enthusiasts. Below is a list of key figures who left a noticeable mark on the chronicle of this corner of Western Australia.

• Sir Alexander Onslow
  Chief Justice of Western Australia (1883–1901)
  Although Sir Alexander himself never lived in the town, it was in his honor that the settlement received its name upon foundation in 1885. As an influential jurist and acting governor, he played an important role in the administrative establishment of the colony in the late 19th century.
• David Forrest
  Pastoralist, Pioneer, Politician
  Brother of the state's first premier, John Forrest. David was the manager of the legendary Minderoo Station, founded in the 1880s on the Ashburton River. His efforts in developing pastoralism laid the economic foundation of the region, and Minderoo Station itself remains one of the most famous in the country to this day.
• James Clark
  Merchant, Early Settler
  Together with partner John McKenzie, he arrived at the mouth of the Ashburton River in 1883, even before the official proclamation of the town. They built the first warehouse and store, effectively determining the location of the future settlement of "Old Onslow" and becoming the driving force of early trade in the region.
• Jack Hayes (Ngulyiguru)
  Thalanyji Elder
  An outstanding representative of the Indigenous population and a custodian of cultural heritage. He is the ancestor of many modern speakers of the Thalanyji language. His contribution to the preservation of traditional knowledge and language is of invaluable significance for the identity of the Pilbara region.
• Neil Baker
  Fisherman, Collector, Museum Founder
  A local legend and creator of the famous Shell Museum. Neil dedicated over 60 years to gathering a unique collection of seashells in the waters around the town. His private collection has become one of the main tourist attractions of the modern town.
• Hayden Stein
  Artist-Enthusiast
  In the late 1970s, Hayden and his family settled inside an abandoned fuel tank from World War II. To entertain his children, he painted the interior walls of the tank with amazing caricatures and drawings. Today, this object is known as the "Secret Cartoon Tank" and is a unique monument of folk art.