Kordabup: Cultural Heritage, River and Historic Trails

Kordabup brings together a clearly dated settlement history, river landscape and historic trails. A memorial park area at Devon and Cornwall Group Park commemorates early settlers; the Styx River is significant as cultural heritage to the Noongar people, and Styx River Waterfall is on the Kordabup River. There are also traces of former stock routes. These different themes lead from a memorial site and the history of trails to striking rock and water formations.

Memorial Park and Settlement History

A plaque at Devon and Cornwall Group Park commemorates the early settlers of 1924. The park is of considerable historical and social significance as cultural heritage. Group 114 represented families from Devon and Cornwall in England who camped in this area in April 1924. Both references are from the same year, but April is explicitly included in the date only for the camping period. Here you can encounter different historical connections: the memorial site and the story of the families represented by Group 114.

Styx River: Cultural Heritage and River Features

The Styx River lies in the upper catchment of the Kordabup River near Parry Inlet. The entire Styx River is significant as cultural heritage to the Noongar people. At the same time, distinct landscape features shape its course: the river flows over a granite rock face into a large pool. Large, well-developed gnamma holes are set into the face and remain filled with water all year round. Cultural significance thus encompasses the entire river, while the granite face and gnamma holes describe specific physical features. A comparison over time reveals different water features: the gnamma holes remain filled year-round, whereas Styx River Waterfall is seasonal.

Historic Stock Routes

The Forest Hill and Moriarty–Camballup Trails comprise sections of two former, unofficially designated stock routes: one from 1870, the other from around 1900. The dates differ in precision; around 1900 remains an approximation. The trails are partly used as historic routes and are not formally marked. Traces of tree markings, ruins, stone ovens, water points and river fords confirm the course of the original route. This offers a different way of engaging with history than the plaque: a permanent monument in the park commemorates early settlers, while traces along the trails make it possible to follow the course of the former routes.

Styx River Waterfall and Access

Styx River Waterfall is a cultural heritage site on the Kordabup River, featuring a large pool and a seasonal waterfall. Access is via Kordabup Road and Fernley Road; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required. When planning, keep two aspects separate: the waterfall is seasonal, while the four-wheel-drive requirement concerns access. Check local access information before setting out, as details may change.

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For the main travel overview: Western Australia.