NORTH DANDALUP

71 Kilometres south of Perth on the South West Highway, North Dandalup takes its name from the North Dandalup River. The name is known to be of Aboriginal origin but the meaning is unclear.
 

In 1869 there were reports of gold found in the area but nothing further came of it until more was found in 1896 and a mini gold rush was sparked off with some 60 prospectors working in the area. No payable gold was found and the area quickly returned to its normal quiet self.

This was yet another siding on the South West Railway and the town site appears to have been privately owned. Development seems to have begun in 1899 but gazettal did not take place until 1972.
 

A school site was set aside in 1899 and in 1915 a hall and recreation ground were built.

Nearby North Dandalup Dam has an excellent recreation area at the foot of the dam wall and there is a campsite in the hills at Wittacker’s Scarp Mill. (This site was recently closed down by CALM.)