SHIRE OF DANDARAGAN
The name of the Shire & Townsite of Dandaragan is derived from the title of a
watering hole, 9km north of the present townsite, called "Dandaragan Spring",
which, according to the local aboriginal language, meant "good kangaroo" country.
Over the years there have been various spellings of the name Dandaragan, but, in
1932, Dandaragan was adopted as the official name and has remained in use ever
since, so much so that in 1976 even the Dandaragan Spring was renamed according
to that spelling.
This "A" class reserve was established with the prime aim of protection of the
wildflowers that grow there in great numbers. It comprises 10,284 hectares and
is located on the west side of the Brand Highway, opposite the Badgingarra
townsite. The Badgingarra Nature Trail provides opportunities to view the many
species of wildflowers in season in the park.
On the outskirts of the Cervantes Townsite can be found one of only four known
locations of stromatolites in Western Australia. Lake Thetis is the home to the
oldest living organism on Earth with samples indicating similarities with fossils
from up to 3000 million years ago.
Located near Dinner Hill was built in acknowledgement of the foresight shown by
Mr George Lang, who recognised the agricultural potential of the land in 1948.
The Badgingarra Progress Association has constructed "Lang Lookout" in honour
of Mr Lang's pioneering spirit.
Situated approximately 14 kilometres north of Jurien at the locality known as
North Head, is a monument erected in 1968 by the Council of Underwater Activities
of Western Australia in memory of the Late Robert Murray Bartle, an active member
of the skin-diving fraternity, who was killed by a shark in the vicinity.
Access to this area is by 4WD only.
| 5. Nambung National Park (Pinnacles) |
Map 1 E2 |
This spectacular region, 17km south of Cervantes, is sometimes known as the
"Painted Destert". Surrounded by white sand drifts, the red and white deserts
contain an area of limestone pinnacles from one metre to 4m high. Calcified
and silicified small forests of stone bristle from weather beaten earth in
myriad shapes and forms. Local tours are available.
The old jetty at Jurien was used in the later part of the century to load wool
and stock onto boats for shipping to Fremantle and India. Remains of the timber
piles have been discovered approximately 100m north of Hastings Street and 65m
inland from high water mark.
This is a very popular stopping place for the traveller. It provides a roadhouse,
caravan park, and has a picnic area along the banks of the picturesque Moore
River. Regans Ford is named after Edward Regan who first came to the area in
1875, who was contracted to build, with aboriginal labour, a crossing over the
river.
In 1870 a group of local people decided that a church was needed in the district.
Once the building was completed in 1885, it was used as a church and school for
many years as well as being the venue for Road Board meetings, dances and other
social events. The "soap stone" used in the building was taken from a nearby
paddock.
This area was named after one of the stopping places used by drovers on the old
North Road, and is controlled be the CALM. Located north - east of Jurien via
Cockleshell Gully Road, and accessible by 4WD only, provides an ideal day trip.
A feature of the Park is the 300m long Stockyard Gully Tunnel which follows a
winding underground creek bed. Flashlights are required in the tunnel. Local
tours are available.
[Chittering]
[Dalwallinu]
[Dandaragan]
[Gingin]
[Moora]
[Victoria Plains]
[Front]
[Shire Descriptions]