Karrakup, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids KarrakupPerth, Western Australia |
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Sunset in December 2023
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| Established | 1997 | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 6122 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 78.6 km2 (30.3 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 42 km (26 mi) SSE of Perth | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Darling Range | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Canning | ||||||||||||||
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Karrakup is a lovely area located southeast of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. It's part of a local government area called the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale. This name, Karrakup, comes from the Noongar language, which is spoken by the Aboriginal people of this region. It means "red-tailed black cockatoo," a beautiful bird found in Australia. The name was officially chosen for this area in 1997.
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Exploring Karrakup's Location
Karrakup stretches out to the east from the town of Byford. It covers an interesting landscape, from the flat "ridge hill shelf" up to the higher "Darling Scarp" (which is like a big hill or cliff).
Karrakup's Boundaries
The area has clear borders:
- To the east, it's next to Albany Highway, which also borders a place called Jarrahglen.
- To the west, it's bordered by South Western Highway.
- To the south, you'll find Jarrahdale Road.
Karrakup is also close to some historic areas like Cardup and Whitby, which were important in the early days of settlement.
The Vincentian Retreat Centre
Karrakup is home to the Vincentian Retreat Centre Perth. This special place is spread over 27 acres of land. It's run by the Fathers of the Vincentian Congregation, a religious group. The centre was officially opened on July 29, 2017, by the Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe. A retreat centre is a quiet place where people can go to relax, reflect, and find peace.
Protecting Karrakup's Natural Beauty
Recently, there have been some changes in how the land in Karrakup is planned for future use. This has led to some people in the community being concerned about protecting the area's natural and cultural history.
Important Natural Areas
Karrakup is very important for its natural environment. It includes parts of the state forest, which are protected woodlands. It also has small rivers and streams, called tributaries, that flow from the Wungong and Serpentine water catchments. These waterways supply water to valuable bushland areas, including the Brickwood Reserve. Protecting these natural spaces helps keep the local plants and animals safe and healthy.
