Pinjarra is located 87km south of Perth and only 19km south-east of Mandurah on the banks of the Murray River in Western Australia’s South-West agricultural region. The town is one of the oldest in the State and began as a farming community.
The area later developed into a lucrative bauxite mining and timber milling town. The town derived its name from the local Aboriginal tribe known as Pindjarup (meaning ‘Place of a swamp’). Pinjarra was shown on earlier maps as either Pinjarrup or Pinjarrah however in 1880 the townsite was gazetted as Pinjarra. More History of Pinjarra.
Interesting Facts About Pinjarra
During the 1840s a ghost known as Kate haunted the Pinjarra Bridge every anniversary of her death.
The Hotham Valley Tourist Railway’s Pinjarra Steam Ranger train service, which was suspended following the Dwellingup fire of January 2007, is back in full swing. You can once again experience the magical journey between Pinjarra and Dwellingup from May to October on Wednesdays and Sundays. Please contact the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway on 9221 4444 for more information.
On the 28th of October, 1834, the Pinjarra Massacre became one of the bloodiest and darkest days in Western Australia’s history.
Things Are Looking Up in Pinjarra
The architecture of Pinjarra is best explored through the heritage trail walk, where you can see fine examples of Colonial architecture. Many of the buildings were constructed by locals from locally made mud bricks. It is a lasting reminder of the pioneers who did well to survive the harsh conditions of the early years of settlement. Click here for a closer look at the Architecture of Pinjarra