Peppermint Grove Beach, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peppermint Grove BeachWestern Australia |
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Looking east from the lookout in Peppermint Grove Beach
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 Peppermint Grove Beach
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1970s |
| Postcode(s) | 6271 |
| Elevation | 16 m (52 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Capel |
| State electorate(s) | Collie-Preston |
| Federal Division(s) | Forrest |
Peppermint Grove Beach is a lovely town right by the ocean. It's located in the South West part of Western Australia. This beachside town is part of the Shire of Capel area. You can find it about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of Capel. It sits right on the coast of Geographe Bay, close to where the Capel River meets the sea.
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The Story of Peppermint Grove Beach
Peppermint Grove Beach, sometimes called Peppermint Grove Beach Estate, has an interesting history. The land was first farmed by an Irish settler named James McCourt. He arrived in Australia in 1842 with his family.
Early Settlers and Farming
James McCourt first worked with timber. In 1843, he moved to Ludlow, where other Catholic families had settled. By 1847, he had a large farming area. He called his farm 'Fatfield'. He kept buying more land, including at Peppermint Grove Beach in 1854.
In 1862, floods damaged his home. He sold some land but managed to keep his Peppermint Grove properties. There, he built a new home and started 'McCourt's Farm'. He grew onions and raised horses and cattle.
The "Cut" and the Name
In 1873, the government decided to build a channel, or "cut," through the land to the sea. This cut was finished in 1874 by the last convicts from the Bunbury area. It's still there today, just south of Doungup. James McCourt was hired to keep this channel clear.
People often camped in the valley near a safe swimming spot. This area became very popular. Because of the peppermint trees nearby, the place became known as Peppermint Grove.
From Farm to Town
James McCourt passed away in 1899. His daughter, Kathleen McCourt, continued to run the farm. She married Robert Hardey in 1904. After her husband died in 1933, she kept the farm going.
During World War II, a lookout was set up on Hardy's Hill. This was the highest point between Bunbury and Busselton. Soldiers used it to watch for enemy ships. One soldier, Alex Campbell, helped Mrs. Hardey on the farm.
After the war, Alex Campbell settled his family with Mrs. Hardey. He bought some land and helped manage the property. When Mrs. Hardey passed away in the early 1950s, she left some property to Alex Campbell.
In the early 1960s, parts of the farm were sold to developers. Alex Campbell was the first to divide and sell land for houses in Peppermint Grove Beach in 1965. Today, much of the original McCourt farm is covered by homes. You can still see parts of McCourt's old house on some undeveloped land.
What You Can Find There
Peppermint Grove Beach is very close to the ocean. There are many places where you can easily get to the beach. The town has a small park near the main beach access. There is also a caravan park for visitors.
