TAMBELLUP

~ BRIEF HISTORY ~

In January 1832, Ensign Dale climbed Mt Toolbrunup in the Koikeneruff (Stirling) Range.  From this vantage point, he looked over a vast plain and although his view was obscured by native fires, he observed that the surface of the plain was:-

......... diversified with open downs and extensive forest and with a great number of bare sports which were supposed to be salt lakes .........    (Ref:  A History of the Shire of Tambellup by Judith Parnell).

Tambellup's original settler was Mr Joseph Norrish, the main street of Tambellup being named after him, who took up property east of the present townsite in 1872.  Mr Norrish concentrated early on sandalwood cutting, but later became involved in sheep breeding.

Following the opening of the Great Southern rail line in 1889, settlers began to arrive and the town was declared in August 1899.

Tambellup celebrated its "Centenary" in 1999, with a "Back to Tambellup" weekend held in October.

~ STATISTICS ~

The Shire of Tambellup has a population of approximately 725 people, with approximately 350 people residing in the townsite.  The Shire covers an area of around 1,437 square kilometres.

Tambellup is a Hidden Treasure of the Great Southern. Click here to learn more: