Myalup, Western Australia

Summary

Myalup is a town located on the coast in the South West region of Western Australia between Mandurah and Bunbury. At the 2006 census, Myalup had a population of 144.[2]

Myalup
Western Australia
Myalup is located in Western Australia
Myalup
Myalup
Map
Coordinates33°06′S 115°42′E / 33.10°S 115.7°E / -33.10; 115.7
Population344 (SAL 2021)[1]
Established1972
Postcode(s)6220
Area184.6 km2 (71.3 sq mi)
Location
LGA(s)Shire of Harvey
State electorate(s)Murray-Wellington
Federal division(s)Forrest

History edit

The name Myalup is a local Aboriginal name for a nearby swamp (the word "mya" meaning the bark of a paperbark, which abound in the area). Prior to European settlement, the Noongar Ganeang people wandered around the eastern shores of Lake Josephine, east of the town.

The name was first recorded by Lieutenant Bunbury in 1836 as Miellup, then by a surveyor in 1849 as Myerlup.[3] The land east of the Old Coast Road was farmed principally by the Crampton and later the Manning families.[4] The pastures in the area were poor, so farmers were given a minimum of 4,000 acres (16 km2) for grazing. In around 1890, the soil in the district was found to be phosphate deficient, so superphosphate was introduced to the pastures. Other additives were introduced in the mid-1900s as soil technology improved.

In 1972, following demand for beachside blocks in the area, the townsite was gazetted.

Present day edit

Myalup is on the southern edge of the Yalgorup National Park, a haven to native wildlife and bird sanctuary as well as a home to stromatolites – sedimentary rocks composed of layers of fossilised blue-green algae and one of the first lifeforms known to exist on earth. Lake Preston, the largest of the nine lakes in the park, also borders the town. The town also has a caravan park, chalets, recreation ground and store, and a white-sand beach continuous to and shared with Binningup 5 kilometres (3 mi) to the south.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Myalup (suburb and locality)". Australian Census 2021 QuickStats. Retrieved 28 June 2022.  
  2. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (25 October 2007). "Myalup (State Suburb)". 2006 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 19 July 2011.
  3. ^ "History of country town names – M". Western Australian Land Information Authority. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2007.
  4. ^ Shire of Harvey. "Local Towns – Myalup". Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2006.
  5. ^ mysouthwest.com.au. "Welcome to Myalup". Archived from the original on 24 August 2006. Retrieved 2 October 2006.

External links edit

  • Town map of Myalup (Shire of Harvey)