TAMBELLUP

HEMA Map reference 74/H6

34° 02' 40" S 117° 38' 02" E

Statistics

Caravan Parks

Shire                  08 9825 1002

Services

Attractions

Museum, Railway water tank, Lake Toolbrunup, Saggers Pool.

Buildings of note

Toolbrunup School, Town hall.

Calendar of events

January: Gordon River regatta, Australia Day celebration.  October: Agricultural show, Lions car rally, April (Biannual:) Church flower show, RFDS charity golf day. October: Annual show. November: Wag tail craft expo. December: Christmas lights competition.

Ex-General store

Toolbrunup School

Gordon River

Description

The area was first explored by Europeans in 1832 when Ensign Robert Dale viewed the area from a vantage point in the Stirling Range and commented:

'diversified with open downs and extensive forest and with a great number of bare sports which were supposed to be salt lakes'

The area was settled in 1840 by William Clark (another source quotes Joseph Norrish as being the first settler in 1872 - quite a discrepancy). The railway came through in 1889 and the town was gazetted in 1899. Sandalwood cutting took place near the town from 1870. The name seems to have originated from ‘Tambul-yillup farm’ and the current spelling was used when a railway station opened in 1889. The Aboriginal word ‘Toombellanup’ means place of thunder and may be the original source of the name.

Tambellup's motto is 'Town of friendship' which considering it's small size - everyone knows everyone else - is a good choice. (Having stayed there a week we found everyone we met was certainly living up to the town's motto.)

There is a general store and the Tambellup Historical Society runs a small folk museum which has a display of local memorabilia.

In the centre of the Tambellup town site is the Railway Station which has been an integral part of the town’s history. This building is still a feature attraction of the town.

The Gordon River which flows through the outskirts of town is also very picturesque after good rains.

Tambellup boasts great sporting facilities including a Bowling Club, Tennis Club, Netball and Cricket Club.

The local Noongar (Aboriginal) centre produces various items from handcrafted clocks to furniture which can be purchased at the Tambellup Deli or the Noongar workshop on the corner of Bridge and Donald St.

Tambellup can cater for the tent or caravan tourists with powered sites at the local caravan park. If you are passing through town and require a refreshing shower one can be had at the caravan park for a small fee. For further details contact the Tambellup Shire Office on 08 9825 1002.

There is also a Lions Park information bay which is also a rest stop for travellers opposite the Tambellup Hotel. The hotel provides delicious counter meals and is situated on the Great Southern Highway which runs through town.

Tambellup also became a five star Town in the Tidy Town 2001 competition.

Tambellup has a lot to offer the tourist who likes a more laid back and quiet approach, whether that be over night or just a few hours break.
 

Station Master's House

The old Station Master's house near the railway line has been turned into a local history museum. There is a very interesting collection of artefacts and memorabilia that has been donated over the years by local people. Entry is free and the keys can be picked up from the Shire office.