Built by sustenance labour, the largest rock water catchment tank in Australia gives us a glimpse into the past.
Located in the far north-eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia, Beringbooding Rock is one of the many granite outcrops found throughout the region.
Beringbooding is dominated by a 10.25 million litre water tank built during 1937–1938 for the farming community. It is the largest rock water catchment tank in Australia. Built by sustenance labour, the scheme provided employment during the Great Depression for approximately 100 men at a cost of 10,000 pounds. One week’s work was given for each child in the family — for example four children equalled four weeks work. Those doing sustenance work had an extra 20 shillings per week added to their government paid sustenance payment, which was seven shillings a day for up to five children with a maximum of 49 shillings a week. The workers were brought by rail from Perth to nearby Bonnie Rock and lived in tents. These men were often unaccustomed to hard manual labour.
One can only marvel at the engineering and manpower that constructed this water catchment and wonder about the first impressions of these city men when they were deposited in this far corner of the wheatbelt, beyond which lies uninhabited scrubland.
The tank is fed by a 7ha catchment area. Walls hewn from the rock itself encircle the rock and channel the rainwater via a concrete aqueduct into the tank. Big fires were lit on the granite and allowed to burn all night, making the rock red hot. Water was then poured over the rock and the granite exploded in big layers. These slabs were sledged away, stood on their sides and cemented together to form the rock walls up to a metre high.
Over the years the corrugated iron roof covering the tank started to come adrift through age and strong winds, creating a safety hazard, and has now been removed. However, without a covering, water has evaporated, and due to the significant amount of algae in the tank, the water has been deemed unfit for crop spraying, watering stock or firefighting. Latest reports indicate the Shire of Mukinbudin has received funding to install a temporary cover and is committed to secure funding for a new permanent tin roof.
The picnic and free camping area is conveniently located at the base of the rock. A 2.3km walking trail starts at the gate at the base of the tank and wends its way over the rock to a variety of natural features.
Take a photo of the information map and allow a minimum of 1.5 hours to complete the trail. The rock cairn at the highest point was erected in 1889 by surveyor H.S. King. You can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views over grain-growing farmland to the south and west, and virgin bushland to the north and east.
Features include a huge balancing boulder that seems to defy gravity, a sheer rock face where the forces of nature have been at work, and gnamma holes: rock depressions which collect water during rain, providing an important water source for early Aboriginal people, settlers and animals. On the northeastern side of the rock, you will find the ‘Kangaroo Hole’, a deep-water natural pool.
The surrounding bushland includes salmon gums, sandalwood, melaleuca, acacia, grevillea, ti-tree, hakea, cassia, kunzea, quandongs and native orchids. Many birds inhabit the area.
Throughout Western Australia's wheatbelt you can see other similar rock catchment walls and dams. They make great places to stop and explore. You will also find evidence of other sustenance scheme projects throughout Western Australia.
THE NEXT STEP
If you want to learn the latest caravan news, find the most innovative new caravans and camping gear or get inspired to plan your next adventure to some of Australia's best getaway destinations, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We promise to send you only the best content.
Related Articles:
Visiting Beringbooding Rock in Western Australia's Wheatbelt