Gracetown, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids GracetownWestern Australia |
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Aerial shot of Gracetown
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 Gracetown
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1963 |
| Postcode(s) | 6284 |
| Elevation | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
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| LGA(s) | Augusta-Margaret River |
| State electorate(s) | Vasse |
| Federal Division(s) | Forrest |
Gracetown is a small, pretty town in Western Australia. It's located about 269 kilometers (that's about 167 miles) south of Perth, the capital city. You can find it on the coast at Cowaramup Bay, not too far from the town of Margaret River. It's a popular spot for holidays and surfing!
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A Look Back at Gracetown's History
Gracetown was first used as a holiday spot by people looking for a nice getaway. In 1957, there was an idea to turn the area into a place for camping and caravans. However, the government decided it would be better to build a town there instead.
The land for the town was measured and planned in 1961. The first blocks of land were sold in 1963, which is also the year the town was officially recognized. Gracetown was named after Grace Bussell, a local hero from Western Australia.
In 2021, a new area called Yebble was created. It was made from parts of Gracetown and Burnside that weren't used for homes.
What You Can Find in Gracetown
The famous Cape to Cape Track runs right along the beach to the west of Gracetown. This walking trail stretches for many kilometers, and Gracetown is one of the few towns you'll find along it.
There's a small general store in town where you can buy different things and get some basic services. Many holiday homes are also available to rent all year round, making it a great place for a vacation.
Surfing in Gracetown
Gracetown is really well known for its awesome surfing spots.
- North Point is a strong wave that's great for surfers who like to ride inside the wave's "tube."
- South Point is popular because it works well even when the wind is blowing towards the shore.
- Huzzas, in the middle of the bay, is a gentler wave that's fun whenever it breaks.
The main beach area in the bay is easy to get to and perfect for families with young children who want to swim.
Big Waves at Cowaramup Bombora
Close to Gracetown, there are several other fantastic places to surf. The Cowaramup Bombora surf break, often called "Cow Bombie," is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) offshore. This spot is famous for its huge waves and has even won awards for big wave surfing!
Huzzas Cliff Safety Improvements
In September 1996, a very sad accident happened near the beach. A cliff collapsed, and some people who were watching a surfing event were tragically killed. They had been sheltering under a rock overhang during a rainstorm when the cliff fell without warning.
After this event, a special junior surfing competition called the Gracetown Grommets was started. It is held every year to remember those who were lost.
Cliff Rehabilitation Project
To make the area safer, a big project began in 1997. The state government provided money to help fix up the cliff tops overlooking the accident site. New stairways, lookout spots, and fences were built. They also planted new plants to help make the cliffs more stable and prevent future collapses.
Shark Encounters Near Gracetown
Sadly, Gracetown has also been a place where shark attacks have occurred. In 2004, a surfer named Bradley Smith was killed by a great white shark at a nearby beach.
In 2010, another tragic event happened when Nick Edwards, a 31-year-old man, died after being attacked by a great white shark at South Point. He was surfing when the attack happened. In November 2013, another surfer also died after a shark attack. These events remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings when enjoying the ocean.
