Boodalin Well – Well No. 10

Location

275 kilometres (straight line) ENE of Perth.

261 kilometres from York along the Hunt Track.

4.8 kilometres north-west of Westonia.

GPS Coordinates

 

UTM
Zone 50J
657706 metres East
6539005 metres North

DMS
31°16'21.29"S
118°39'23.67"E

Directions

From Great Eastern Highway
Turn off Great Eastern Highway at Carrabin toward Westonia and head north for nine kilometres. At Westonia turn left on Stoneman Road and head west for three kilometres. Turn right to the well and camp area.

Along the Hunt Track
At the end of Wardell Road turn right onto Stoneman Road and drive two kilometres to the track that leads to the well.

Condition

The well is in good condition. It is fenced or unfenced depending on the view of the local government authority as to their potential liability at the time.

 

History

Spelled variously as Boodahlin and Bodallin.

In February 1865 Hunt's team opened out the native well at Boodalin but were unable to build a stone well until logistical issues were resolved:

8 March 1865. The party ... had opened out a well to a small depth ..., unfortunately they are now standing still untill I arrive with the drays, to cut stone and timber for building them up with, and it being impossible to stone up the wells as in fact do anything to them until everything is ready by the side of the well as they are generaly sunk in soft sandy ground, falling in as fast as the men can throw it out.

13 March 1865. Monday... . 9h a.m. party engaged collecting stone, timber etc. 8h p.m. team engaged carting stone to the well.

14 March 1865. Tuesday. ... the party engaged sinking the well and stoning up. 4h p.m. completed the well, though not a good supply, I think sufficient for passing purposes and doubtless after the first winter there will be a good and constant supply.