Johnny Boy's Walkabout Blog

Last updated 4Feb26

1874 William Ginn Ruin

The 1874 William Ginn Ruin is located on private property leasehold land near the Federal Highway slip lane to Gungahlin, just South of the major Federal Highway/Horse Park Drive-Majura Parkway interchange.

Location: UTM 55H 698391-6100664 (MGA94), Hall 8727-4S 1:25000

Visits: 2 Feb 26, 17 Mar 23, 14 Mar 23.

Photographs are available.

Documentation:

• Pages from the Kenny Suburb Cultural Heritage Assessment

“The William Ginn Ruin site forms part of Canberra Park and is recorded as the original 1874 homestead precinct. This site is approximately 300m from the 1899 Canberra Park homestead, which is currently occupied. The 1874 William Ginn Ruins is comprised of the surface remains of a homestead with a 14x7m outbuilding, as well as a large stone oven fireplace. [There are} many historical exotic plantings including rose, bay, fig, plum and a kurrajong tree nearby.”

• ACT Heritage Assessment (because the ACT Government seems to employ IT people to move/rename data files, I have uploaded a copy of this document for permanent access)

“Original 1874 homestead
The original homestead precinct consists of the surface remains of the original stone homestead, and
two smaller ruinous structures. The site also contains many historical exotic plantings including
rose, bay, fig, plum and a kurrajong tree.
The original stone cottage constructed by William Ginn was located approximately 300m from the
present homestead. Surface remains are evident, measuring around 14m x 7m. The structure
contains a large stone oven. The exterior has been repaired with 1920s Canberra bricks.
A single roomed stone structure with two windows and a doorway is located nearby. This was
possibly a kitchen.”

• Tony Maple via social media – The former ‘Canberra Park’, selected by and home of William and Mary Ginn who were the first family to live at what is now called ‘Blundells Cottage’. William was initially head ploughman on the Duntroon Estate. Some favourable remarks by George Campbell led to Billy Appleyard hitting Ginn with the handle of a frying pan and knocking out some of his teeth. When the Robertson Land Acts enabled the selection and purchase of unsurveyed Crown Land, the Ginn’s sent their very young son Walter to live in a bark hut on their selection in north Canberra. That became ‘Canberra Park’.

Sleuthing:

I was walking in this area in March 2023 (with the leaseholder’s permission) and came across this site. The landowner has an interest in European history of the area, but had no knowledge of the origins of this ruin. I approached a number of friends and contacts, including Parks and Conservation Service, ACT Historical Society members, ACT Heritage, Hall Schoolhouse Museum, Conservation Council of the ACT, ACT Heritage and a retired historical site consultant. I was delighted by the speedy responses, with many contributions to the outcome. However, the main sources of information above were provided by Di B of ACT Heritage. Thank you to everyone.

Want to Visit?

This site is on private property. I can put you in touch with the landowner if you want a detailed look. But better might be to view the ruin from just a few metres away via access on a more public road as indicated below.