Cossack

Nestled at the mouth of the Harding River near Roebourne, Cossack beckons the traveller and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The town features many fine stone buildings, which have been fully restored and now offer an array of services designed to make the visitors stay informative and memorable. Cossack was the first port in the northwest servicing a growing pastoral industry. It played host to thousands of people seeking their fortunes in the Pilbara gold rush. Cossack was also the home of the fast growing pearling industry. It was after the Cossack pearling grounds were fished out that the pearling fleet moved further north to Broome. Cossack's growth was spread over 40 years, however its decline was more rapid. By 1900 the pearling fleet had moved to Broome, the gold rush had diminished, vessels became larger and the Cossack port was no longer suitable as a harbour. In 1904 a jetty was established at Point Samson and all shipping movements were relocated there. Cossack had lost her position as the most important port in the northwest. The Municipality of Cossack was dissolved in 1910 however people still lived in the town until after World War II. The town was abandoned by 1950. Now Cossack offers the visitor a pleasant stay at the backpackers and an ideal location from which to explore nearby Jarman Island, enjoy the seven unique species of mangroves or take a stroll along Settlers Beach and witness a wondrous Pilbara sunset. The Cossack Art Award, staged annually, is respected internationally and recognised nationally as the most isolated acquisitive art exhibition in the world, with the award now transforming to be the richest of its kind in regional Australia and one the community can be very proud of.