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Statistics
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Km from Perth |
345 |
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Population |
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Rainfall |
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Max Temp |
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Min Temp |
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Autogas |
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Telecentre |
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Caravan
Parks
Recreation ground
Services
Attractions
Stirling Ranges,
Lake Nunijup,
Lake Poorrarecup.
Buildings of note
Stamper Battery. May have been the first in Western Australia
and was used to process gold. 1874.
Calendar of events
Unknown
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Description
The area was settled in 1831 by George Cheyne (another source
quotes John Hassell as first settling here in 1840 but John Hassell actually
purchased to property from Cheyne.)
The Hassells were known for their hospitality and their property became the
stopping point for many travellers and vagrants in the area. This failed to
impress
Archdeacon Wollaston
who stayed with the Hassells and complained
mightily about the fleas that attacked him.
Daisy Bates' book 'The Passing of the Aborigines' recalls another visitor to the
property who seems to have had fond memories of her stay.
'Old Yeebalan of Kendenup, a township east of Albany, found herself in the
Dumbleyung district when palsy and blindness came upon her. Her white protectors
tried to dissuade her, but she promised them she would go back to the Hassals of
Kendenup whose sheep run had been her father's group area, and who had been good
to her in her young days. They gave her food and money for the journey, and she
immediately handed it over to the derelicts in camp in return for their
hospitality, as in their primitive sense of honour every native must. Months
later, after a solitary journey through the white settlements, she crawled
towards the old Kendenup homestead where she had so often sought and found food
and clothing. It was empty and deserted. Yeebalan made her last camp in the
gully, and died a few days later.'
A notable resident of the area for a time was Clement John de Garis, the founder
of the Sunraysia company. Despite early success he fell on hard times and
committed suicide. I feel much the same way when the awful Sunraysia ads come on
T.V.
Gold was discovered in 1874 but ran out very quickly. Originally a fruit growing
district it has slowly been turned over to crop production with peas being one
of the most successful harvests.
Kendenup is 4km off the main highway on a tourist drive leading through the
Stirling Ranges. The surrounding area is known for its wildflowers with over 500
species being recorded. Between 30 and 40 of these species are found nowhere
else.
The main sources of income in the area consist of cereal crops like wheat,
barley, canola, oats and some sunflowers. Cattle are bred for meat and sheep for
wool. Other agricultural produce consists of maize, olives, herbs, gourmet
vegetable gardens and fish farming.
There is a good overnight stop at the local
recreation ground
for motorhomers
and caravaners. The fee is minimal and can be paid at the local store.
Originally called Kendinup, the town's name is said to have
been given by Phillip Le Mothe Snell Chauncy in 1851.
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