Myalup, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MyalupWestern Australia |
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 Myalup
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1972 |
| Postcode(s) | 6220 |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Harvey |
| State electorate(s) | Murray-Wellington |
| Federal Division(s) | Forrest |
Myalup is a small coastal town in Western Australia. It is located in the South West region. Myalup sits between the larger towns of Mandurah and Bunbury. In 2006, the town had a population of 144 people.
Contents
Myalup's Past: A Look at Its History
The name Myalup comes from the local Aboriginal language. It refers to a swamp nearby. The word "mya" means the bark of a paperbark tree. These trees grow in large numbers in the area. Before European settlers arrived, the Noongar Ganeang people lived around Lake Josephine. This lake is located east of the town.
How Myalup Got Its Name
The name "Myalup" was first written down in 1836. Lieutenant Bunbury recorded it as "Miellup." Later, in 1849, a surveyor wrote it as "Myerlup." The land east of the Old Coast Road was used for farming. The Crampton and Manning families were among the first farmers there.
Farming Challenges and Improvements
The land in the Myalup area was not very good for farming. The pastures were poor, so farmers needed a lot of space. They were given at least 4,000 acres (16 square kilometers) for their animals to graze. Around 1890, people discovered that the soil lacked an important nutrient called phosphate. To fix this, farmers started adding superphosphate to their fields. As soil science improved in the mid-1900s, other helpful additives were also used.
Becoming a Town
In 1972, more people wanted to live near the beach in this area. Because of this demand, Myalup was officially made a town. This meant that land could be divided into blocks for houses.
Myalup Today: Nature and Community
Myalup is located on the southern edge of the Yalgorup National Park. This park is a special place for native wildlife. It is also a safe home for many different kinds of birds. The park is famous for its stromatolites. These are ancient rock formations made by tiny living things. Stromatolites are some of the oldest known life forms on Earth.
Natural Wonders Around Myalup
Lake Preston is the biggest of nine lakes in the Yalgorup National Park. This large lake also borders the town of Myalup. The town itself has a caravan park, which is a place for campers. There are also chalets, a recreation ground, and a small store. Myalup has a beautiful white-sand beach. This beach stretches for 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the south, connecting with the beach at Binningup.
