Snapshot in Time: Have you heard of Two Mile Well? Well, it’s an important piece of local pioneering history

The Two Mile Well on the side of Chapman Road, just north of the Broadwater Mariner Resort, is a little known piece of Geraldton’s pioneering history. It was dug in the 1860s and provided water for horse, camel and bullock drawn wagons leaving Geraldton with essential supplies for the early Victoria District area. The well also provided water for Bluff Point locals when their rainwater reserves were exhausted and was a vital resource for the workers constructing the railway line, and employees of the new line. A gatekeeper’s cottage was built adjacent to the well. In 1914 the well was deepened to improve water flow and was still being used in 1939. By 1962 the walls of the well were deteriorating, and protective brickwork was put in place. At this time a metal sheet sign with perforated lettering, pictured, was also put in place, which improved awareness of the well and its history. Today, a smaller plaque is situated nearby as part of the Bluff Point Heritage Walk Trail. The Two Mile Well, Gatekeeper’s Cottage and a small section of preserved railway line are part of a heritage preservation project in the Bluff Point area. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au