Drovers Rest

From the 1850s to the beginning of the 1900s, large drafts of Kimberley and Gascoyne pastoral cattle were droved south annually from such places as Anna Plains station north of Port Hedland to Mingenew. Drafts of up to 3000 head travelled in mobs of approximately 800 head which enabled the draw-down of water to be managed.
They travelled on well-trodden stock routes established around the available water in springs, soaks, wells and permanent pools. These were established every 10-15 miles, a recognised day’s journey for travelling stock.
Cattle from the northern area of the State passed through the government Dip at Wallal station to ensure freedom from tick, before being walked to Mingenew. This journey took up to 9 months and sheep and cattle were often droved down a day apart. Land was reserved around each watering point for public use. Extensive land was also set aside around Mingenew town site to hold sheep and cattle while waiting for train transport to market. Large wooden stock yards (near the railway station) were established as holding pens. The reserve at Depot Hill, with its fresh springs in the Irwin River, was used for the purpose of holding stock before they continued their journey south or while waiting for sale in Mingenew.
The stock routes were also used by wagons and coaches. Improvements to the routes were made over time to accommodate motorised traffic and they now form part of our road systems.