Rum Jungle Mine Manager’s House

This house is a tangible reminder of the Australian Government’s commitment to develop uranium exploration, recovery and ore processing for the supply of uranium oxide to the USA and UK for atomic weapons development programs during the 1950s and 1960s. It’s a reminder of the government’s financial commitment towards the biggest single industrial enterprise in the NT during that period. The building’s design was adapted to the climatic conditions of the tropics, which included the use of lightweight materials such as asbestos cement sheeting, corrugated iron roofing and extensive use of louvre windows that could be adjusted to suit prevailing weather conditions and maximise ventilation. Large overhanging vented eaves and vented gables helped transmit cool air to the warmer regions of the roof space. The house was frequented by national and international high ranking government and private enterprise officials, including ex-Prime Minister of Australia Sir Robert Menzies and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip. The house is an excellent example of an amended `elevated G type' tropical designed house and is the largest elevated G type house at Batchelor. It is one of only three remaining at the town and has both social and architectural significance.