and a visit to Red Rock

Indee Station

By Chris Morton

We had overshot a planned overnight stop about an hour south of Port Hedland and were rapidly searching the net looking for an alternative location to pull up for the night when Karen found Indee Station. A quick call confirmed that we could stay the night and if we were quick we would make Happy Hour. 15 minutes later we pulled in.

Amenagerie of animals greeted us as we made our way through the homestead yard before we were warmly greeted by owners Colin and Betty and the other station guests. Happy Hour was in full swing. We quickly got our vans setup and then made our way back to catch the last half of the social gathering. Colin, who is 80 and still very much involved in the day to day running of the station, bought Indee when he was just 23. He has lived on the property for 57 years, the last 21 years with Betty. Colin still holds the record for the most wild dogs trapped, in an eight week period. The property is approximately 400,000 acres and was originally a sheep station but now carries around 3000 head of cattle. The local motocross club holds the annual Indee 500 (4 x 125km laps around a circuit on the station) every July. Our highlight was a visit out to Red Rock. As the name implies it is a large red rock outcrop with a multitude of rock pools. The larger ones were still holding substantial amounts of fresh water from cyclonic rains in March. The view from the summit was spectacular and is well worth the climb. We were kept company by a very inquisitive hawk. The rock is also covered with Aboriginal etchings. We managed to find 30 however Betty informs us that there is at least 50.

On New Year’s Eve 1968, Indee Station was the scene of Western Australia’s worst commercial aircraft disaster. An Ansett four engine Viscount 720C, on charter to MacRobertson-Miller Airlines, was on final approach to Port Hedland airport when it crashed. All 26 passengers and crew were killed on impact. Colin was the first person on the scene after emerging from a well and seeing a pillar of smoke in the distance. A memorial has been erected after being moved from the original crash site (due to mining operations) and has been located next to Red Rock, providing a tranquil and picturesque location fitting for the victim’s memories.

This memorial has been erected in honour of the crew killed in the Viscount crash.

Aboriginal etchings are found all over Red Rock.

Excerpt from Hema’s WA State map.

For bird lovers, there are in excess of 20 species. The highlight for our daughters was getting to meet and hand feed the baby camel, Calvin. The homestead’s breezeway is filled with artefacts and the walls literally ooze history. Colin is extremely proud of his vegie garden and can be found there every morning, lovingly tending his plants and ensuring the chooks aren’t able to feast on them. The station offers hot showers, unpowered sites and a camp kitchen for those who need it. Adults are $12.50 per night and children $6. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash. Happy Hour is 5:30pm every night and we highly encourage you to join Colin and Betty. BYO drinks with snacks provided.

Calvin the camel was very vocal and a real hit with the kids. Just one of the many interesting things to see at Indee Station.