DESCRIPTION
Yallingup is a small coastal town that depends heavily on tourism for its survival.
The area is well known for excellent surf breaks and this attracts surfers from all over the world. Surfers first came to the area in the 1950s.
5 Km south of the turn off to Yallingup, on Caves Road, is a 4.5 m diameter water wheel which is reputed to be the largest still working in Australia. The water
wheel was originally constructed to power a sawmill which it did until 1938. Now it is a tourist attraction.
The name 'Yallingup' has several suggested sources which include the Aboriginal word for 'place of love'. Another suggested meaning is the much less romantic
'place of skinning an emu'. Yet another suggested meaning for the name is 'Place of caves.' And perhaps that is the most likely version.
HISTORY
Yallingup Cave was discovered by Edward Dawson in 1899 and people started visiting the area to see the cave and enjoy the coastline.
Yallingup cave (now renamed Ngilgi Cave) was one of the first developed specifically for visitors.
Aboriginal legend tells the story of a vicious fight between a bad spirit who lived in the cave and a good spirit (Ngilgi) who lived in the sea.
In the early days people would undertake a 3 day trip from Perth and then explore the cave using little but candles for light.
With increasing numbers of visitors, the need arose for accommodation, so the government started construction on Caves House in 1901 and the hotel opened in 1903.
The first hotel was destroyed by fire but was rebuilt and opened again in 1938.
One of the oldest surviving buildings is Yallingup Hall that was constructed in 1920. It remains a popular place for community events to this day.
The hall features a raised stage and a kitchen area.
The building originated from Karridale where it served as a school. After being dismantled, it was transported to the current location and reassembled.
TALL TALES AND TRUE
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OTHER INFORMATION
ATTRACTIONS
Yallingup cave, surfing beaches such as Three Bears, Yallingup, Smiths Beach and Injidup, Wineries, rugged coast to the north, Peaceful bays and
Cape Naturaliste.
BUILDINGS OF NOTE
Caves House.
ELECTORAL ZONES
State : Vasse
Federal : Forrest
OTHER INFO.
Postcode : 6282
Local Government : City of Busselton
PHOTOS
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