Cossack is located 13 kilometres from Roebourne in north western WA and was originally named after the ship, Tien Tsin which carried the first pioneers into the area in 1863. The first settlers in the area were led by Walter Padbury and as the town grew it's name was changed to Port Walcot, then North District and The Landing, until the visit of Governor Weld in HMS Cossack in 1871 prompted the name to be once again changed to the present day title of Cossack.

Cossack was the first port in the north west and therefore played an important role in the development and survival of the towns in the north west area such as Roebourne. The pearl industry was centred here as the influx of Japanese, Malay, Phillipino and Chinese communities serves to remind.


Historic Attractions

Cossack has a great many buildings dating from the last century. Galbraith's Store was constructed in 1891 and provided general provisions to the community, The Courthouse was built in 1895 from local stone and ballast used by ships. The building now houses the Social History Museum.

The Bakehouse was built in the same year as the Courthouse as was the Mining Registrars Quarters and Mercantile Store. Two years later the Police Barracks and Gaol were constructed and the first permanent schoolhouse was built to replace an earlier wooden building destroyed by a cyclone.

The Post and Telegraph was built in 1884 and was one of the earliest stone building sin Cossack. A chemist was known to have used the ground floor for a time and accommodation was offered at another stage in the building's history. Today it houses a gallery devoted to exhibiting the works of the region's finest artists.

Other Attractions

Settlers Beach is ideal for swimming and beachcombing. Cossack holds regular art workshops which visitors to the town are more than welcome to attend. The annual Cossack Fair and Regatta in June is worth attending for fun and festivities for all ages.

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