Tennent Homestead
Photographs copyright Olaf Moon © 2002.
Location - the Tennent homestead is about three kms to the west
of the Namadgi Visitors Centre, and just inside the later extension
to the NP. Note that all buildings except one, were burnt down in
the 2003 bushfires.
To get there (and avoid a serious scrub bash), walk about 1.5 Km up
the Alpine Walking Track from the Visitors Centre, and turn to the right,
where the arrow sign is, to a fence corner, with a roll of wire hanging
on the corner post. Follow the fence line down to the powerlines (where
there is a new gate), and turn hard left, to follow the 4WD trail under
the powerlines. Keep immediately to the left of the new fence. After
climbing a small rise past a lone pine tree on the left, you will see
the homestead in a small hollow.
Note that this is a VERY sensitive site, so please do not walk
into the fallen buildings.
Brief History
There were five buildings at the site, the first being built in the
early 1890s. It is unique in Namadgi, having rammed earth walls. The
roof to this building has recently caved in, so the walls are rapidly
deteriorating.
The other buildings were built more recently. The main home is the
building shown above in the photo, and was built in 1950. Of special
interest is the shearing shed, which was originally a small vertical
slab hut (whose end walls are still visible) but was then extended to
its final form. It was the primary loss from the bush fires.
Note also the original "Furphy" water carrying cart in the
main courtyard.
Caretakers
Negotiations with National Parks have not yet agreed a plan of maintenance
or restoration for this site, but it is becoming urgent. KHA will continue
to seek a co-operative arrangement for the restoration of this homestead.
The National Parks Association (NPA) currently takes responsibility
for this site, rather than KHA.
The photograph above was taken in January 2002, and shows the original
pise (mud) home, from the 19th century. The walls need immediate covering
to protect them from erosion during heavy rain.
The photograph above is of the Shearing Shed at Tennent. It was clearly
built as a small slab hut, and then extended. The photograph was taken
in January 2002.
References
Profile last updated 10 September 2004.
