The station was established in 1850 by brothers William and Lockier Burges, when they applied for land in the newly discovered Champion Bay district.

[1] He subsequently bought rams descended from the royal flock of George II, settling them first at Bowes and later taking them to Yuin Station.

[3] Thomas' son William Burges was born on the station in December 1865 and following his schooling returned to the property to manage Bowes.

The Wittenooms went on to acquire over 2 million acres in crown leases including Boolardy, Murgoo, Nookawarra and Mileura Stations.

Feed was heavy on the ground that same year causing kangaroos to breed up in large numbers and act as a pest to the squatters.