Murrell Farm

Sunday 12th February was spent exploring the historic sites on the Murrell Farm land.  

Lisa Lowe, the farm owner, kindly agreed to lead the group and show everyone an incredible amount of history.

First port of call was Sparrow Cove where we explored and learned about a reservoir and dam from 1824 that was used for filling the water barges and visiting ships. Also visible are the remains of a water barge near the old farm site.  The old farm buildings consisted of a small shanty, wool shed and several other buildings. It is also believed they had gardens and an enclosure way up from the beach used as a WWII outpost, plus a large stone corral, a dairy and evidence suggests an additional house. 

At Charles Point the group had an amazing time looking at WWII guns, the outpost, house foundations, bunkers and of course, penguins. 

On our way to Kidney Cove, we came across evidence of a turf wall, 3 species of penguins, dairy house foundations, and dolphins playing in the surf. Once at Kidney Cove the group settled down to a shared picnic lunch. Kidney Cove has a beautiful beach, so the children enjoyed having a little fun.

It was then to the top of Mt Low - which was a little breezy! The group found house foundations, an outpost, bunkers, trenches and WWII gun positions. Still visible today are the lines for a tree plantation on the eastern side of Mt Low. The trees were planted by Howell Evans, the Government House gardener in the late 1930's. Unfortunately, the trees were removed and placed in Stanley.  

The group would like to take the opportunity to thank Lisa for taking precious time out to show us so much history. We all enjoyed our day trip thoroughly and hope to return in the future.