Nestled along the rugged southern coastline of Western Australia, the small town of Walpole boasts not only natural beauty but a rich history and heritage that reflects the region’s early European settlement, Indigenous culture, and environmental significance. From its Indigenous roots to its timber and agricultural industries, Walpole’s past has shaped the character of this picturesque wilderness town. Here’s a journey through Walpole’s history and heritage, exploring its key historical sites and stories.
Indigenous Heritage: The Noongar People
Before European settlement, the area now known as Walpole was traditionally home to the Noongar people of the Minang and Pibelmen groups. The Noongar people have a deep spiritual connection to the land, waters, and forests of the region, and their cultural heritage is embedded in the landscape. Many of the rivers, forests, and coastal areas around Walpole hold special significance to the Noongar people, who used the region for hunting, gathering, and ceremonial purposes.
Visitors can learn about Noongar culture through guided tours and interpretive signs that provide insight into the Indigenous history of the area. The Dreamtime stories of the Noongar people, which explain the creation of the land and its features, are particularly fascinating and offer a glimpse into the deep connection between the people and their environment.
Tip: Visit Mount Frankland or Coalmine Beach to explore areas of cultural significance, where you can reflect on the ancient connection between the Noongar people and the natural world.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Early European Exploration and Settlement
Walpole’s European history dates back to the early 1800s when explorers began charting the southern coast of Western Australia. One of the first European explorers to visit the area was Captain Thomas Bannister, who passed through the region in 1831 during his overland journey from Perth to Albany. Bannister’s reports of the region’s rich forests and natural resources piqued the interest of settlers and loggers.
By the late 1800s, the Walpole area was being explored more extensively, with agriculture and timber industries becoming key economic drivers. The region’s dense forests of karri, tingle, and jarrah trees attracted loggers who established timber mills to harvest the valuable hardwoods. The Walpole Inlet also provided a natural harbour for transporting timber to other parts of the state.
Tip: To get a sense of the town’s timber history, visit the Walpole-Nornalup Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the logging industry and its role in the town’s development.
The Naming of Walpole
The town of Walpole was named after the Walpole Inlet, which in turn was named by the French explorer Admiral Antoine Bruni d’Entrecasteaux in 1791 after Captain Walpole, a British naval officer. The town itself was officially established in 1930 as part of a Group Settlement Scheme, designed to encourage people to settle and farm in the region.
The Group Settlement Scheme brought new settlers to the area, many of whom were tasked with clearing the land for agriculture. However, the dense forests and challenging conditions made farming difficult, and many of the settlers struggled to make a living. Despite these challenges, Walpole slowly grew into a small but resilient community.
Tip: Explore Walpole-Nornalup National Park to see the vast forests that early settlers encountered, which remain some of the region’s most valuable natural assets today.
The Walpole-Nornalup National Park
One of the most significant moments in Walpole’s environmental history came in 1910, when the area surrounding the Walpole Inlet and Nornalup Inlet was declared a national park. This protected status was later expanded to form the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, which now covers over 19,000 hectares and is known for its towering trees, pristine rivers, and diverse wildlife.
The park’s establishment helped to preserve the region’s unique natural landscapes, including the famous Valley of the Giants, home to ancient tingle trees that are found nowhere else in the world. Today, Walpole-Nornalup National Park remains a popular destination for nature lovers, with its Tree Top Walk, hiking trails, and camping spots drawing visitors from around the globe.
Tip: Take the Tree Top Walk through the Valley of the Giants to experience the beauty of the tingle forest, which has been protected for over a century.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Conservation and Environmental Movements
Walpole has played a significant role in conservation efforts in Western Australia, particularly in the protection of its forests. The unique biodiversity of the region, including rare plant and animal species, has attracted environmentalists who have worked to ensure that the forests remain intact.
In the 1970s and 1980s, environmental campaigns were launched to prevent logging in sensitive areas around Walpole, leading to the expansion of protected areas within the Walpole Wilderness Area. Today, the wilderness area covers more than 363,000 hectares and includes national parks, nature reserves, and forests, all managed with a focus on sustainability and conservation.
Tip: Visit the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre to learn more about the area’s biodiversity and the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique ecosystems.
Historical Sites in Walpole
There are several historical sites and landmarks in and around Walpole that provide a deeper insight into the region’s past:
- Rest Point Settlement: One of the oldest holiday destinations in the area, Rest Point was originally established as a camp for timber workers in the early 1900s. Today, it’s a popular spot for visitors seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Walpole’s coastline and inlets.
- Old Kent River Winery: While known today for its wines, this winery has roots in the region’s agricultural history. The original farm was part of the Group Settlement Scheme and provides insight into the struggles and successes of early settlers.
- Walpole-Nornalup Museum: This small but informative museum offers exhibits on the area’s logging history, early European settlement, and Indigenous culture, making it a great stop for history enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
From its Indigenous heritage to its European settlement and its ongoing role in environmental conservation, Walpole’s history is deeply intertwined with its natural surroundings. Today, this small but vibrant town offers visitors a chance to step back in time while exploring the stunning landscapes that have shaped its story. Whether you're wandering through the ancient forests of the Valley of the Giants or learning about the logging industry that once drove the town's economy, Walpole’s rich history and heritage offer a captivating journey through time.