Parker Point

Parker Point is located on the southern coast of Rottnest Island, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The area includes limestone reefs, sandy beaches, coral communities and shallow coastal waters. Historical records document its use by recreational and fishing vessels, military activities, maritime accidents, fishing restrictions, bushfires and investigations into the island's groundwater resources.

The surrounding waters contain some of Rottnest Island's most diverse coral communities, particularly around Pocillopora Reef, which provides habitat for tropical fish and other marine species. The area has also been the subject of environmental protection, coastal rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements.

Maritime History

Stranding of the Barque Raven (1891)

On 11 March 1891, the barque Raven ran aground on a reef outside Dyer Island while travelling from Fremantle to Bunbury. The official inquiry commenced at Fremantle Police Court on 20 March 1891 at the Fremantle Courthouse, where Captain Henry Curtis Swan faced charges of drunkenness and careless navigation.

Captain Swan denied being intoxicated and stated that he had taken the wheel after leaving Fremantle, remaining there until the vessel was within sight of the Champion Rock buoy. He subsequently went below deck to consult his chart and later to eat, leaving an eleven-man crew on deck.

The vessel struck the reef while carrying most of its sails. Captain Swan suggested that an undertow may have caused the vessel to drift off course.

Evidence presented during the inquiry addressed the difficulties of navigating the waters surrounding Rottnest Island. Captain Russell, the Chief Harbour Master, considered the South Passage unsafe for navigation at night. The earlier evidence also referred to poor visibility around Parker Point and the possibility of the vessel drifting off course.

Douglas George Gawler, representing Captain Swan, reported that currents in the area could reach approximately two knots.

A further report published on 28 March recorded testimony from several witnesses concerning Captain Swan's condition before the vessel departed Fremantle.

John Johnston, boatswain of the Laughing Wave, stated that Swan appeared intoxicated when he boarded the Raven at approximately 1.30 pm. Charles Watson later observed him walking unsteadily, while John Ley, a shipping clerk, also reported signs that he had been drinking.

Thomas Igo, boatswain of the Raven, confirmed that Swan had consumed alcohol but maintained that he had performed his duties competently. Thomas Hay, the vessel's steward, considered the captain capable of managing the ship, although he had slept only a few hours before departure. William Hicks, barman at the Pier Hotel, also testified that Swan had appeared sober.

Thomas Hole, the Raven's first mate, could not confirm that the captain was completely sober but considered the North Passage a safer alternative to the South Passage.

The defence argued that the sailing regulations did not expressly prohibit vessels from navigating the South Passage at night. Gawler also criticised the inquiry system, under which the authorities investigating an incident could bring charges and conduct the proceedings. He maintained that neither charge had been proved and presented certificates attesting to Swan's good character.

The prosecution, conducted by Crown Solicitor G. Leake, argued that Swan had taken unnecessary risks by attempting the passage at night.

The court found both charges proved and cancelled Captain Swan's master's certificate. However, he was permitted to use a mate's certificate, allowing him to continue serving aboard vessels in a subordinate capacity.

Although the Raven grounded outside Dyer Island rather than at Parker Point, the inquiry provides an early account of navigation, currents and the dangers associated with travelling through the surrounding waters.

The only photograph I have located that purports to show the barque Raven (1864-1891) appears on Shipwrecks Western Australia's website. However, the image appears to have been incorrectly identified, as the vessel pictured is the Cutty Sark.

Stranded Sunfish (1936)

In August 1936, a large marine creature washed ashore at Parker Point, attracting considerable attention from island residents and holidaymakers. The creature was discovered by Rottnest schoolmaster Cyril Christopher Sporn and measured approximately 10 feet (3 metres) in both length and width, with an estimated weight of half a ton. Its unusual appearance led to comparisons with a giant stingray.

Its discovery prompted comparisons with the so-called "Rottnest monster" found two years earlier, which had subsequently been identified as part of a whale carcass.

On 30 August 1936, Museum curator Ludwig Glauert identified the creature as a sunfish. Contemporary newspaper reports suggested it was only the second specimen found along the Western Australian coast.

Approximately 40 people visited Parker Point that day, including Rottnest Board of Control chairman William Henry Kitson, several board members and managing secretary James Balfour Stark.

Western Australia's Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Frederick Aldrich, subsequently explained that sunfish have an almost circular, flattened body, with large dorsal and anal fins extending above and below it. Unlike most fish, they use these fins for propulsion rather than a conventional tail. Sunfish inhabit warm and temperate ocean waters and are sometimes observed swimming near the surface with their dorsal fins projecting above the water.

Storm at Rottnest Island (1946)

On 10 November 1946, severe weather forced small boats anchored in Thomson Bay to relocate to the shelter of Parker Point.

Gale-force winds and heavy seas continued into the following day, preventing the ferry Wandoo from travelling to Rottnest Island and leaving approximately 100 holidaymakers stranded.

Airlines (W.A.) Ltd. arranged four aircraft to operate between the mainland and Rottnest from 3.30 pm until dusk on 11 November, intending to return more than 200 passengers.

The ferry was expected to resume services the following day if weather conditions improved. Despite the storm, little damage to buildings was reported on the island.

Motor Tender Washed Ashore (1948)

During the Easter long weekend in March 1948, rough weather caused difficulties for yachts travelling between Fremantle and Rottnest Island.

Several vessels making the crossing on the night of 25 March encountered strong winds and heavy seas. Yachts towing smaller boats were particularly affected, with large following waves pushing the smaller craft towards the vessels towing them.

Archie Thomas, aboard the 24-foot cruiser Monsoon, was forced to cut loose his motor tender approximately one mile (1.6 kilometres) south-east of Dyer Island. The tender was discovered undamaged the following morning, washed ashore at Parker Point.

Three Boats Grounded at Parker Point (1952)

On 20 July 1952, the 40-foot auxiliary yacht Fair Maid ran aground on reefs near Parker Point.

The yacht, owned by David Findlay Lesslie, had left its anchorage at approximately 1 pm when it struck the reef while navigating the inner passage at low tide. The five men aboard attempted to secure the vessel using three anchors, but the rising tide dragged it onto the sand.

An Army workboat belonging to No. 3 Transportation Squadron was sent to assist but also became stranded while attempting to tow the yacht free.

The crayfishing vessel Margo, which had been preparing to go shark fishing, then attempted to help but was caught by the swell and grounded approximately 100 yards (91 metres) from Parker Point. The Margo, a six-month-old vessel valued at approximately £3,000, was skippered by Denny Byrne, accompanied by Fred Eggleston. It was jointly owned by Byrne, W. Mews and F. J. Edmond.

At approximately 2 am on 22 July, the rising tide freed the Margo, while the Army workboat was carried further inshore and left stranded on the beach. The Fair Maid was also refloated using its auxiliary engine and anchor lines, returning to its moorings at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club later that day.

During the grounding of three vessels, Army personnel established a temporary signalling post at the point. The post maintained communication with the stranded vessels using signal lamps throughout the night while arrangements were made for their recovery.

Army personnel from No. 3 Transportation Squadron, under Lieutenant Peter Ayckbourn, camped beside the stranded workboat overnight and began salvage operations at 5 am on 23 July.

Despite heavy rain, another Army launch reached the workboat through a specially charted passage between the reefs and successfully towed it to Fremantle. The workboat sustained damage to its rudder, leaving it unable to steer.

Fishing Restrictions

Illegal Net Fishing (1947)

On 11 April 1947, six Fremantle fishermen were caught using a fishing net in closed waters near Parker Point.

The men, Dominico Cappellutti, Mauro Amato, Juilo Mastropasqua, Mauro Mastropasqua, Gueseppi Mastropasqua and Mauro De-Ceglio, pleaded guilty in the Fremantle Police Court on 30 April 1947.

Each was fined £5, with an additional three shillings in court costs. The prosecution was conducted by W. Davidson on behalf of the Fisheries Department.

Bushfires

Major Bushfire (1948)

On 31 December 1948, a major bushfire burnt approximately 400 to 500 acres (162 to 202 hectares) of scrub on Rottnest Island.

The fire was first noticed at approximately 10 am and, assisted by strong south to south-westerly winds, spread from Parker Point towards the eastern boundary of the airstrip and the southern shore of Serpentine Lake. Firefighters attempted to stop its northward progress at the railway line by burning a firebreak but the flames crossed it and continued towards the lake.

Approximately 60 volunteers, including holidaymakers, spent six hours fighting the fire using knapsack sprays and a mobile water tank. They prevented damage to huts near the airstrip and former Army gun emplacements.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 4 pm. No buildings or tree plantations were damaged, although thick smoke covered much of the island and drifted towards the mainland.

Military Activities

Army Roads

During the Second World War, the Australian Army carried out road improvements on Rottnest Island, including sealing tracks leading to Salmon Bay and Parker Point. These works were recorded in the August 1985 Rottnest Island Management Plan (p. 79).

Geology and Groundwater

Groundwater Investigations (1976)

In February 1976, the Public Works Department drilled four shallow bores at Parker Point to investigate whether groundwater could supply a proposed ablution block. The bores were drilled into Tamala Limestone, with testing revealing considerable differences in water quality across the area.

Bore 2, drilled beside an existing well, contained water considered suitable for drinking, while Bore 1 produced brackish to saline water. Bores 3 and 4, both located within areas of teatree vegetation, contained highly saline water.

The investigation found that groundwater quality improved further inland from the coast but deteriorated under the vegetation around Bores 3 and 4.

The existing Parker Point well was approximately 3.3 metres deep, with a recorded salinity of 1,460 milligrams per litre in February 1976.

The findings formed part of investigations into Rottnest Island's groundwater resources, which had previously been considered insufficient to meet the island's water requirements. Water had historically been obtained through constructed catchments, distillation and supplies transported from the mainland.

Researchers explained that freshwater under islands generally forms a lens above denser saltwater, separated by a zone of brackish water. These freshwater deposits are generally thicker under higher and more extensive land areas.

The investigations suggested that a narrow band of groundwater could extend south and south-east from Oliver Hill towards Parker Point, where drilling had encountered approximately five metres of freshwater.

Further investigations subsequently identified sufficient potable groundwater reserves to supply the Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay settlements.

The study also identified bacterial contamination, including Salmonella associated with quokkas, in some of Rottnest Island's shallow groundwater, requiring treatment before the water could be distributed for domestic use.

Marine Environment

Pocillopora Reef and Coral Communities

Parker Point and the adjoining Pocillopora Reef contain some of the most diverse coral communities recorded around Rottnest Island.

The Guidebook to the Geology of Rottnest Island identifies Parker Point as one of the best locations for observing the island's modern coral reefs (p. 63).

The reef lies east and south-east of the point, with coral colonies growing in holes, along the edges of limestone platforms and across sections of the reef itself. One of the most common species is Pocillopora damicornis, a hard coral that has formed a reef approximately 100 metres long. The species occurs near the southern extent of its geographical range at Rottnest Island.

Other corals recorded around Parker Point include Montipora mollis, which forms large purple colonies, together with species belonging to the genera Porites, Alveopora, Favia, Favites, Goniastrea, Oulophyllia, Symphyllia, Plesiastrea, Turbinaria and Coscinaraea.

The August 1985 Rottnest Island Management Plan identified the southern coastline, particularly the waters around Kitson Point, Salmon Point and Parker Point, as containing the island's most diverse coral communities (Volume 2, p. 17). These corals provide habitat for marine invertebrates, including coral shrimps, and numerous reef fish.

The geological guidebook also describes shell deposits transported by birds and preserved on a small headland below Jeannie's Lookout, near Parker Point (p. 63).

Tropical Fish and Water Temperatures

The August 1985 management plan recorded Parker Point as having the largest numbers of tropical fish found around Rottnest Island, with much of their activity concentrated around the approximately 100-metre-long Pocillopora Reef (Volume 2, p. 15).

The reef provides shelter and food for tropical species, although water temperatures can vary considerably throughout the year. The report recorded an average minimum winter water temperature of approximately 15°C, with temperatures occasionally falling to 13.5°C during periods of strong north-easterly winds.

These winds can push water into the south-western corner of the lagoon, temporarily restricting normal circulation and allowing the water to cool. When the wind weakens or changes direction, water from outside the lagoon can enter again, causing temperatures to rise.

During colder periods, many tropical fish remain concealed within the reef, becoming more visible when temperatures increase. The report suggested that prolonged cold conditions could account for the disappearance of large numbers of tropical fish during some winters.

Marine Research (2001-2002)

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2001-02 Annual Report recorded research into water circulation within the lagoon and the production of microscopic algae living on the seabed (p. 31).These investigations formed part of research into the marine environment surrounding Parker Point.

Marine Protection and Fishing Restrictions

The August 1985 Rottnest Island Management Plan recommended marine protection for the waters extending from Salmon Point to Vera Rocks, including Parker Point and Pocillopora Reef (Volume 2, p. 8). The report identified the area as particularly important for coral communities and tropical reef fish.

It also raised concerns about the potential effects of a proposed marina in Porpoise Bay. Researchers warned that prevailing winds and currents could carry pollution towards Parker Point, affecting the coral reef.

The report suggested that protective management measures might need to extend to Natural Jetty and include Porpoise Bay. Concerns were also raised about pollution from vessels using nearby anchorages, sedimentation and changes in water temperature.

The August 1990 management progress report recorded that a recommendation to prohibit fishing at Pocillopora Reef had been implemented in 1989 (p. 13).

The 2003-2008 Rottnest Island Management Plan subsequently identified Parker Point Reef as a no-fishing zone (p. 22).

The 2023-2028 management plan identifies Parker Point as one of five marine sanctuary zones, which together cover approximately 17 per cent of the waters surrounding Rottnest Island (p. 37).

Wildlife

Osprey Nesting

The August 1985 Rottnest Island Management Plan recorded an osprey nesting site at Parker Point (Volume 2, p. 90). At the time, approximately 13 osprey nesting sites were known around the island, although only three or four were regularly active.

The reef lies east and south-east of the point, with coral colonies growing in holes, along the edges of limestone platforms and across sections of the reef itself. One of the most common species is Pocillopora damicornis, a hard coral that has formed a reef approximately 100 metres long. The species occurs near the southern extent of its geographical range at Rottnest Island.

Other corals recorded around Parker Point include Montipora mollis, which forms large purple colonies, together with species belonging to the genera Porites, Alveopora, Favia, Favites, Goniastrea, Oulophyllia, Symphyllia, Plesiastrea, Turbinaria and Coscinaraea.

The August 1985 Rottnest Island Management Plan identified the southern coastline, particularly the waters around Kitson Point, Salmon Point and Parker Point, as containing the island's most diverse coral communities (Volume 2, p. 17). These corals provide habitat for marine invertebrates, including coral shrimps, and numerous reef fish.

The geological guidebook also describes shell deposits transported by birds and preserved on a small headland below Jeannie's Lookout, near Parker Point (p. 63).

Tropical Fish and Water Temperatures

The August 1985 management plan recorded Parker Point as having the largest numbers of tropical fish found around Rottnest Island, with much of their activity concentrated around the approximately 100-metre-long Pocillopora Reef (Volume 2, p. 15).

The reef provides shelter and food for tropical species, although water temperatures can vary considerably throughout the year. The report recorded an average minimum winter water temperature of approximately 15°C, with temperatures occasionally falling to 13.5°C during periods of strong north-easterly winds.

These winds can push water into the south-western corner of the lagoon, temporarily restricting normal circulation and allowing the water to cool. When the wind weakens or changes direction, water from outside the lagoon can enter again, causing temperatures to rise.

During colder periods, many tropical fish remain concealed within the reef, becoming more visible when temperatures increase. The report suggested that prolonged cold conditions could account for the disappearance of large numbers of tropical fish during some winters.

Marine Research (2001-2002)

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2001-02 Annual Report recorded research into water circulation within the lagoon and the production of microscopic algae living on the seabed (p. 31).These investigations formed part of research into the marine environment surrounding Parker Point.

Marine Protection and Fishing Restrictions

The August 1985 Rottnest Island Management Plan recommended marine protection for the waters extending from Salmon Point to Vera Rocks, including Parker Point and Pocillopora Reef (Volume 2, p. 8). The report identified the area as particularly important for coral communities and tropical reef fish.

It also raised concerns about the potential effects of a proposed marina in Porpoise Bay. Researchers warned that prevailing winds and currents could carry pollution towards Parker Point, affecting the coral reef.

The report suggested that protective management measures might need to extend to Natural Jetty and include Porpoise Bay. Concerns were also raised about pollution from vessels using nearby anchorages, sedimentation and changes in water temperature.

The August 1990 management progress report recorded that a recommendation to prohibit fishing at Pocillopora Reef had been implemented in 1989 (p. 13).

The 2003-2008 Rottnest Island Management Plan subsequently identified Parker Point Reef as a no-fishing zone (p. 22).

The 2023-2028 management plan identifies Parker Point as one of five marine sanctuary zones, which together cover approximately 17 per cent of the waters surrounding Rottnest Island (p. 37).

Wildlife

Osprey Nesting

The August 1985 Rottnest Island Management Plan recorded an osprey nesting site at Parker Point (Volume 2, p. 90). At the time, approximately 13 osprey nesting sites were known around the island, although only three or four were regularly active.

A pair nesting at Parker Point had successfully bred despite visitors frequently walking close to their nest while accessing the tip of the point.

The report recommended considering restrictions on public access around osprey nesting sites to reduce disturbance.

Coastal Erosion and Rehabilitation

Storm Damage (2003)

In May 2003, an intense storm coinciding with an exceptionally high tide caused damage to coastal access infrastructure around Rottnest Island.

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2003-04 Annual Report identified beach access facilities requiring repair or replacement following the storm (p. 34).

Major Dune Rehabilitation (2007-2009)

During 2007-08, a major coastal rehabilitation project commenced at Parker Point following extensive erosion of the sand dunes. The Rottnest Island Authority reported that storm events, combined with visitor traffic across fragile coastal areas, had contributed to a large and highly mobile sand blowout extending over approximately 1.7 hectares.

The project was planned over three years and involved moving sand, stabilising exposed areas and replanting vegetation to prevent further erosion. Conservation Volunteers Australia assisted with the initial rehabilitation works.

The 2008-09 Annual Report confirmed that the second stage of the Parker Point rehabilitation project had been completed. The work formed part of the island's volunteer conservation programme, which recorded approximately 1,160 volunteers contributing 27,500 hours across environmental and cultural projects during that financial year (p. 21).

Continued Coastal Management (2020-2024)

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2019-20 Annual Report recorded the installation of erosion-control fencing at Parker Point (p. 44).

The 2023-24 Annual Report also identified Parker Point as one of the locations included in coastal stabilisation and restoration programmes (p. 37).

These works followed earlier rehabilitation efforts intended to stabilise the dunes and protect vegetation from erosion and visitor disturbance.

Visitor Facilities and Infrastructure

Visitor Access and Activities

The 2003-2008 Rottnest Island Management Plan identified Parker Point as a designated visitor activity area where facilities could accommodate organised activities, while reducing pressure on surrounding natural areas (p. 19).

The area already contained a self-guided diving and snorkelling trail (p. 78) and was serviced by the Bayseeker bus, with a designated stop (p. 72).

A five-knot boating speed limit was also recorded for the area (p. 80).

Public Toilets (2003-2011)

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2002-03 Annual Report identified the construction of new public toilets at Parker Point as a proposed project for the following financial year (p. 31).

Further plans for composting toilets were recorded in the 2007-08 Annual Report.

During 2010-11, a new toilet facility was constructed using an environmentally designed micro-flush hybrid system. The system used recycled water for flushing within a closed wastewater arrangement, preventing wastewater from being discharged into the ground. Rainwater collected in a storage tank supplied water for handwashing. The facility was designed to require minimal maintenance and was expected to open to the public in August 2011.

The Winnitt Club, a voluntary organisation that has undertaken projects on Rottnest Island since 1931, has also contributed to visitor facilities at Parker Point. Working under the direction of the Rottnest Island Authority, its members raise funds, provide labour and technical skills for projects benefiting island visitors and workers. The club's work includes providing five environmentally friendly toilets at Parker Point at a reported cost of approximately $650,000.

Nutrient Monitoring (2010 to 2011)

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2010-11 Annual Report recorded the completion of seasonal water, sediment and seagrass sampling for the Parker Point Nutrient Survey (p. 23).

The sampling examined conditions within the surrounding marine environment.

Wastewater Infrastructure (2020)

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2019-20 Annual Report recorded the completion of the Parker Point Road Wastewater Pump Station (p. 34). The project included the installation of storage tanks and realignment of the sewer main.

Electrical Infrastructure (2024)

The Rottnest Island Authority's 2023-24 Annual Report recorded the installation of transformers and low-voltage electrical networks at Parker Point to service new development areas (p. 30). The works formed part of improvements to the island's electrical infrastructure.