The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.

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A very large model of a white and brown ship in a Museum display case. It has a bright yellow funnel.

MV Koomala I

Model

Koolama (Nyoongar word for waterfowl), built in 1938 was the pride of the Stateships fleet. Koolama carried stock, cargo and passengers. The ship was one of only two Stateships vessels ever lost.

In 1942 Koolama was delivering supplies to Kalumburu Mission in the North West when Japanese aircraft bombed the ship. The crew were rescued by mission staff. The ship was refloated and sailed to Wyndham, but sank alongside the wharf during another air raid.

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Deep Dives

A large steam ship at harbour, Fremantle's old rail yards can be seen beside the dock.

After Sail - The Era of Steam

Beauty and brawn? Ashridge and Koolama

Article

A very large model of a white and brown ship in a Museum display case. It has a bright yellow funnel.

The Koolama model.
Credit: WA Museum

The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.