Moorarie Station
| Company type | Pastoral lease |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture |
| Founded | 1875 |
| Founder | Edward William Butcher |
| Headquarters | Mid West region , Australia |
| Products | Sheep grazing |
Moorarie Station functions as a pastoral lease and sheep grazing property situated in the Mid West region of Western Australia, approximately northwest of Meekatharra and eastward from Carnarvon. The station receives water from the southern tributary of the Murchison River, along with the Hope River and the Yalgar River.
History
Founded in 1875 by Edward William Butcher, Moorarie was transferred two years later to Dr James William Hope and his prospective father-in-law, John Henry Monger. Hope oversaw the property's operations alongside partners such as Alexander Crawford and subsequently William Dalgety Moore until 1891.
By the year 1886, Moorarie covered an area of , sustained by two significant rivers, clay pans, and shallow wells. The station maintained a stock of 14,000 sheep, 250 cattle, and 40 horses, employing Aboriginal workers for roles including shepherding, shearing, and mustering.
Ownership of Moorarie was held by William Kerr from at least 1907 until his passing in 1936.
Floods
In 1884, flooding of the Murchison River extended as far as six miles beyond its banks, destroying the main homestead and resulting in the loss of approximately 3,000 ewes and lambs.
During April 1900, the Ord River swelled to a width of twelve miles near Moorarie, while some sections of the Murchison River expanded up to six miles across.
In March 1926, floodwaters cut off access to the station for an entire week. One shepherd remained trapped atop a tree for five days before being rescued. At least 400 sheep perished; however, employees successfully relocated another 400 to elevated terrain over a two-day period.