BOYANUP

DESCRIPTION

 

It is a small farming town about three hours drive south of Perth and about 18 kilometres south east of Bunbury.

 

Mineral sands are mined in the area and a mine site is located about 5 kilometres north west of town.

 

The dairy industry is also important in the area and some may remember the Sunnywest Dairy brand that operated here.

 

The town is situated on the Preston River.

 

Not far from Boyanup in the Ferguson Valley is the quite astounding 'Gonomeville'.

 

It is hard to find out details about who started this 'gnome away from gnome' but to the best of our knowledge it started as a single gnome placed by the side of the road as a protest against the nearby round-a-bout being built. The first gnome was soon joined by others and over the years this collection has grown to enormous proportions. It really is something you have to see in person to fully appreciate.

 

We would go so far as to say it is the best tourist attraction we have ever seen. No it isn't the biggest, the most spectacular, the most beautiful but it is something that has been created by ordinary people, locals and visitors alike and it sits by the side of the road for all to enjoy.

 

Families bring their own 'family of gnomes', little gnome dwellings are added to the community and it is not hard to imagine that each night, when the last visitor has left, the whole community comes to life and parties on until the first visitor arrives the next day when all the gnomes take up their 'day places'.

 

Our advice - GO AND SEE GNOMESVILLE - bring your own gnome(s) and become part of a very unique phenomenon.

 

HISTORY

 

The town's name originates from an Aboriginal word that means place of quartz.

 

James Bessonnet took up land in the area in 1845 and named his farm Boyanup. Other sources state that the name was first recorded in 1852 and was recorded on a survey in 1869 as Boyinup.

 

A rail line to Bunbury was constructed in 1888 and the town site was gazetted in 1894. A second rail line to Busselton was opened in 1894. In 1896 yet another line opened, this time to Minninup.

 

"Steam locomotives and rolling stock were on their way from Scotland and excitement was high. By November 30, 1887, all was ready; the last sleeper was laid, the last dog spike slammed home. With a great deal of back-slapping and yo-ho-hoing, important people, led by Governor Broome rode the first train (borrowed for the occasion) into Boyanup. Everybody round about gathered for the opening and made plans for expeditions to Bunbury - and even Perth." from 'Just a Horse Ride Away.'

 

An early settler remembers:

 

"After I was married, my husband brought me to Boyanup in a bullock cart, and we were the first settlers, and I have now resided here for 70 years. My eldest son, James, aged 66 years, who died two years ago, was the first white child born at Boyanup. The loneliness of the bush at times was appalling. In the night, blacks, dingoes, frogs, etc often made the most terrifying noises until dawn. The place was not very pleasant for a young married woman, but we held on and made good at last." Mrs. C. Simmons, The West Australian, May 1 1934.

 

The town has not grown much over the years with the current population only just over double what it was in 1898.

 

TALL TALES AND TRUE

 

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MAP

 

 

VIDEO

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South West Rail and Heritage Centre Website

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ATTRACTIONS

 

Transport Museum, Fettlers Park, Skateboard park.

 

BUILDINGS OF NOTE

 

Boyanup sale yards.

 

ELECTORAL ZONES

 

State : Collie-Preston

Federal : Forrest

 

OTHER INFO.

 

Postcode : 6237

Local Government : Shire of Capel

 

PHOTOS

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