Discover Cue • Dowley Street

Masonic Lodge

Corrugated iron, elaborate craftsmanship and more than a century of mystery in one of Cue's most unforgettable buildings.

Built 1899

Nothing else in Cue looks quite like it.

The former Masonic Lodge stands on the corner of Dowley and Robinson Streets — an imposing two-storey building constructed almost entirely from timber and corrugated iron at the height of Cue's gold rush.

Designed in an unusually elaborate Victorian Second Empire style, its grand proportions, central tower, ornamental ironwork and pressed-metal interior make it one of the most distinctive buildings in the Murchison. It is listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

At a glance

Built: 1899
Architect: E. Owen Hughes
Materials: timber & corrugated iron
Style: Victorian Second Empire
Masonic meetings: 1899–1979
Returned to Shire ownership: 2023
Location: 55 Dowley Street, Cue

Yes, we know.

It has serious Addams Family vibes.

Tall, dark, symmetrical, slightly mysterious and particularly dramatic at dusk — if the Addams Family had built a Murchison holiday home, there is a fair chance it would have looked something like this.

The Lodge has inspired plenty of local ghost stories over the years. We cannot promise paranormal activity, secret passageways or a visit from Cousin Itt. We can promise one of the most unusual heritage buildings you will see anywhere in regional Western Australia.

Built for Murchison Lodge 22

A grand building in a very remote place.

Murchison Lodge 22 was established in 1897. Two years later, members built a permanent meeting place that was deliberately impressive — proof that Cue had grown from a rough mining settlement into a confident regional centre.

1897

The Lodge is established

Murchison Lodge 22 was consecrated on 21 April 1897 as Cue's population and civic institutions expanded during the gold boom.

1899

A permanent home

Architect E. Owen Hughes designed the building and contractors Little and McInnes constructed it. The foundation stone was laid on 8 April 1899.

1979

Regular meetings end

Monthly Masonic meetings continued for around eighty years before being cancelled in August 1979 when membership numbers were no longer sufficient.

Built differently

Why corrugated iron?

Most visitors associate Cue's heritage with stone, but corrugated iron was an ideal goldfields material. It was relatively light, could be transported long distances and could be erected quickly in places where conventional building supplies were difficult to obtain.

The Masonic Lodge takes that practical material and turns it into something unexpectedly sophisticated. Its two-storey timber frame is clad in corrugated and ripple-profile iron, while the interior features pressed-metal finishes, a grand timber staircase and an upstairs meeting chamber.

It is this combination of remote location, humble materials and elaborate design that gives the building its exceptional heritage significance.

Then & now

Remarkably familiar more than a century later.

Early photographs show just how little the building's unmistakable form has changed. The tall central portico, hipped roof, iron cresting and strict symmetry were part of the original design.

The empty landscape around it has changed considerably, but the Lodge remains one of Cue's strongest architectural landmarks.

Early photograph of the Cue Masonic Lodge

A new chapter

From preservation to a building Cue can use again.

The Lodge returned to Shire of Cue ownership in 2023 following its transfer from the National Trust of Western Australia. The transfer gave the Shire the opportunity to move from maintaining the building to undertaking a substantial restoration and giving it a practical future.

Restoration planning has been undertaken with heritage architects so that new work respects the significance of the original 1899 building. Stage One commenced in 2026 and includes a new rear addition with a function kitchen, toilet facilities and deck/alfresco area.

The complete restoration of the historic Lodge and the new addition are expected to be completed during the 2026/27 financial year, creating a heritage venue that can once again be used and enjoyed rather than simply admired from outside.

Saving the Lodge

Cue has been working toward this for years.

2006

Supporting its purchase

The Shire contributed funding to the National Trust toward purchasing the building and continued supporting its maintenance.

2023

Back to the Shire

The transfer from the National Trust was finalised and the Lodge returned to Shire ownership.

2026

Construction begins

Work commenced on the rear addition, including the function kitchen, amenities and outdoor deck area.

2026/27

A working future

The full restoration and addition are planned for completion, returning the heritage building to active community use.

Cue's corrugated-iron giant

The Lodge has long been claimed as the largest free-standing, double-storey corrugated-iron building in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you come for the architecture, the history or the spooky photographs, it is difficult to forget.

Plan your visit

Find it on Dowley Street.

The Masonic Lodge is at 55 Dowley Street, on the corner of Robinson Street, a short walk from Cue's main heritage precinct. Restoration works may affect access while the project is underway, so observe current fencing and site signage.

Get Directions Explore Historic Buildings

While works continue

View from public areas only
Observe construction fencing
Do not enter work zones
Follow current site signage

Continue exploring

There is plenty more history within walking distance.

Austin Street

Cue Rotunda

Discover the first town well, typhoid story and the landmark built above it.

Explore the Rotunda →

Historic Cue

Heritage Buildings

Keep walking through the Government Buildings, Old Gaol, Railway Station and more.

Explore historic Cue →

Two-day itinerary

48 Hours in Cue

Make the Lodge one stop on a deeper journey through the town and surrounding goldfields.

Plan 48 hours →

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