Gibson, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GibsonWestern Australia |
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 Gibson
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1921 |
| Postcode(s) | 6448 |
| Elevation | 218 m (715 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Esperance |
| State electorate(s) | Roe |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Gibson is a small and interesting town located in the southeastern part of Western Australia. It's about 22 kilometers (14 miles) north of a larger town called Esperance. In 2016, a count showed that 449 people lived in Gibson.
The History of Gibson: A Small Town's Beginnings
Gibson started as a very small place. In 1898, only 16 people lived in the area.
The idea for Gibson began around 1910. It was planned as a "siding" for the Esperance Branch Railway. A siding is a short track next to a main railway line where trains can stop or pass each other. This spot was chosen because a surveyor named A. W. Canning found a good water source there. He named the water source after a man who discovered it while looking for animals. Even though the railway wasn't finished until 1925, Gibson officially became a town on October 19, 1921.
Getting Around: Transport in Gibson
Gibson is connected by the Brookfield Rail network. This is a system of railway lines that helps move goods and people. The town also has its own airport, called Esperance Airport. This airport helps people travel to and from the region. In 2009, a long railway crossing was built near the town. It is about 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) long.
Esperance Bird & Animal Park: A Fun Place to Visit
One of the most exciting places in Gibson is the Esperance Bird & Animal Park. This park is home to many different kinds of animals. You can see colorful birds like cockatoos, parrots, and macaws. There are also larger birds like eagles and emus.
Besides birds, the park has farm animals such as sheep, goats, and even highland cattle. You can also find horses and llamas. For those who love Australian wildlife, there are kangaroos and wallabies. The park even has foxes, which are not native to Australia but are interesting to see. It's a great place to learn about different animals and enjoy nature.
