Mindarie
Mindarie is located on the Western Australian coast about 35 minutes from Perth and was named after the local lake located 16kms away from Delich Road in Carabooda. Mindarie is believed to be an aboriginal word meaning either ‘the place near which a ceremony is held’ or ‘green water’.
The area was first recorded by explorer and surveyor Alexander Forrest in 1874. Originally the entire area was going to be named Clarkson, after an early settler who owned land in the district, however, in 1985 the area was divided into two suburbs with the coastal area being named Mindarie and the adjoining suburb to the east being named Clarkson.
Brief History
Prior to the area’s redevelopment, Mindarie included farming land and limestone kilns. Ideally located on the Indian Ocean, it was in the 1980s that developers saw it’s true potential and began making plans for its expansion.
Largely unpopulated, the area was gazetted in 1985 and became known as the suburb of Mindarie. Two developments were initially proposed for the area, one being a marina (Mindarie Keys) and the other a refuse plant (to handle landfill waste from Perth). Local residents were none too happy about either proposal and reacted by forming the Quinns Rocks Environment Group. 
Three years later in 1988, Tamala Park was gazetted and set aside for the refuse disposal.
Between 1988 and 1990 the Smith Corporation began the first stage of Mindarie Keys which included the marina and hotel. The development had many setbacks throughout its construction including cost overruns, unrealistic estimates for land, the recession, and its location (which was seen as far too far from Perth). Added to this was the construction of the hugely successful and popular Hillary’s Boat Harbour just south of Mindarie. However, despite all the obstacles the marina and hotel were open for business in 1989.
Today it is one of the fastest expanding suburbs in Perth boasting a laid back lifestyle.
Things You May Not Know About Mindarie
Every year in November at the Mindarie Marina they celebrate the official start to the fishing and lobster season with the ‘Blessing of the Fleet’.
The author of ‘A Fortunate Life” Albert Facey and his father once worked at Cooper’s Lime Kilns which are located in Lighthouse park near the coast. The lime was used in the eastern goldfields.