Kirup, Western Australia facts for kids

Kirup is a small town in Western Australia. It's located between the towns of Donnybrook and Balingup, about 228 kilometers (about 142 miles) south of Perth. Kirup sits in the beautiful valley of the Capel River. It's one of the main towns in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup.

Quick facts for kids Kirup Western Australia
Kirup Tavern and Deli
Kirup Location in Western Australia
Established	1901
Postcode(s)	6251
Elevation	194 m (636 ft)
Area	[convert: needs a number]
Location	228 km (142 mi) south west of Perth 13 km (8 mi) north of Balingup
LGA(s)	Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
State electorate(s)	Collie-Preston
Federal Division(s)	Forrest
Localities around Kirup: Newlands Brookhampton Thomson Brook Brazier Kirup Grimwade Brazier Mullalyup Mullalyup

History of Kirup

Early Times and First People

The area where Kirup and the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup are located has been the traditional home of the Wardandi people for thousands of years. They are part of the larger Noongar nation.

European Settlement Begins

European settlers started arriving in the Upper Capel area in the 1870s. One of the first was Joseph Cookworthy, who started a cattle farm called Rockfield. At that time, all supplies had to be brought from Bunbury by bullock wagon or on horseback. By 1890, the community was big enough to have its own cricket team.

Gold and Timber Discoveries

In 1897, gold was found about 12 miles north of Kirup, near Donnybrook. Soon after, people started looking for gold in the Upper Capel area too.

Around the same time, a railway line was built from Donnybrook to Bridgetown. This new railway helped George Baxter start a big timber business. His company, Preston Jarrah Sawmills, built a 5-mile long railway track from the Upper Capel siding into the forest. They cut down trees to produce timber for export, railway sleepers, and for new harbor projects.

How Kirup Got Its Name

In 1901, a town was planned next to the Upper Capel railway station. The local council suggested naming the town "Keerup." This was the Noongar name for the area, and it is thought to mean "place of the summer flies." The name was later changed slightly to Kirup.

Soldier Settlement Scheme

After World War I, Kirup and a nearby area (now called Grimwade) were part of a special program. This program, called the Soldier Settlement Scheme, helped soldiers who had returned from the war. Large farms were bought by the government and divided into smaller plots. This allowed the returned servicemen to start their own farms.

What Kirup Does Today

Kirup's main industries are growing organic fruits and vegetables, especially apples, pears, and cherries. They also pack fruit and raise cattle. The town is also famous for something called Kirup Syrup. This is a red wine that was first made by Alberto Vinci at his local vineyard.

Important People from Kirup

• Lieutenant Colonel Noel Brazier (1866–1947) was an important person in Kirup's history. He was the second owner of the Rockfield farm. He also founded and led the 10th Light Horse Regiment, which was a military group.