COSSACK, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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This former centre for pearling activities in the region, now a ghost town, has been turned into a tourist attraction.
Location: at the mouth of the Harding River 12 km north of Roebourne
Origin of name: originally named Tien Tsin by William Parbury in 1864 after the vessel which brought him there to establish his business activities in the region. It was renamed Cossack in 1871 after the vessel which brought the Governor of WA, Sir Frederick Weld, to the locality in that year.
Brief history: The town prospered for many years through pearling until the turn of the 20th century, when the port silted up and its activities were transferred to Port Samson.
Natural features: Tien Tsin harbour
Heritage features: Court House (1885-86); Post & Telegraph Office (1882); Customs House and Bond Store (1890-95); Registrar's Office and Residence; Gailbraith's Store (1890-91); Tidemaster's quarters (1890); Cemetery; School (1896-97); Jarman Island lighthouse and quarters.