The Millstream Homestead was built in 1919 on the pastoral station established in the late 1800s.
The name comes from explorer Francis Thomas Gregory when he named Millstream Creek in 1861, noting it had enough water to operate a large mill.
A lease in 1865 started with sheep and the station continued with sheep for many years. The Cookson Brothers owned Millstream from 1912 until 1950 but was operated by others. Claude Irvine managed the station when Millstream Homestead was built and invited his grandson Les Gordon to become the manager in 1923.
Les Gordon lived and managed Millstream until he died, however, he purchased the property shortly before passing in 1950. His sons Doug and Stewart continued with the property until they sold it in 1964. Millstream was later bought by the Public Works Department.
From 1975, the homestead operated as a tavern and was updated with a new roof, suspended ceiling, and timber trusses were replaced with steel.
In the 1980s, the Millstream Homestead was taken over by CALM (Conservation And Land Management). CALM renovated the homestead and it now operates as the visitor centre for the Millstream Chichester National Park in Western Australia.
Unfortunately for us, the homestead was closed for renovations for its 100th anniversary. The shearer’s kitchen was still open for us to have a look through.
There are things to learn about the homestead, including outside of the homestead building. For example, follow the Homestead Trail to learn what life was like in the 1930s from the perspective of a 12-year-old boy at Millstream. The walk is an easy 750m return.
The Murlamunyjunha Trail leads from the Homestead to the Crossing Pool and the Fortescue River. It is a moderate 6km return walk taking about 2 hours. The last part to and from Crossing Pool is typically closed between November and April during the wet season.
