Preston Point facts for kids

Preston Point (also known as Niergarup) is a small piece of land that sticks out into the beautiful Swan River in Western Australia. It's located in the big city of Perth, right where the suburbs of East Fremantle and Bicton meet. This spot is about 12 kilometers (or about 7.5 miles) southwest of Perth's city center. If you look across the river from Preston Point, you'll see Rocky Bay and the suburbs of North Fremantle and Mosman Park.

Preston Point: A Special Place on the Swan River

Preston Point is a significant spot with a rich history, especially for the local Indigenous people. It's a great example of how different cultures have named and used the same land over time.

The Story Behind the Name

Preston Point got its name in 1827 from James Stirling. He was an important person who explored and helped set up the Swan River Colony, which later became Perth. Stirling named the point after Lieutenant William Preston, a naval officer who was part of his expedition.

Noongar History: Niergarup

Before European settlers arrived, the Noongar people, who are the traditional owners of this land, knew this area as Niergarup. For them, Niergarup was a very important place. It was used for special ceremonies and as a camping ground. This shows how deeply connected the Noongar people were, and still are, to the land and its natural features like Preston Point.