Cookernup, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids CookernupWestern Australia |
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The Cookernup General Store in April 2022
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 Cookernup
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1860s |
| Postcode(s) | 6219 |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Harvey |
| State electorate(s) | Murray-Wellington |
| Federal Division(s) | Forrest |
Cookernup is a small town in the South West region of Western Australia. It is located near the South Western Highway. You can find it between the towns of Waroona and Harvey.
Contents
Discovering Cookernup's Past
In 1835, two European explorers, Stephen Henty and Thomas Peel, first visited this area. Local Aboriginal people helped guide them along the Harvey River.
How Cookernup Got Its Name
The name Cookernup comes from an Aboriginal word. It means "the place of the swamp hen" (cooki). This shows the area's natural history.
Early Settlers and Growth
The first settler, Joseph Logue, arrived in 1852. He came with his family looking for good land to farm. He received a large piece of land, about 9,000 hectares, which he named Kookernup. Later, he settled near a brook, now called Logue Brook.
The Cookernup area was very important for its timber. Trees were cut down and then moved by railway. In the early 1890s, Cookernup was even bigger than Harvey. It had its own school and a telegraph office. In 1898, the town had 59 people living there.
Cookernup Today: A Snapshot
Today, Cookernup is a small town focused on farming. Many services that people need are available in nearby Harvey. The town has been growing steadily, with new houses being built each year.
Community Life and Facilities
Cookernup has a strong community spirit. It has its own fire brigade, which helps keep everyone safe. There is also a town hall for community events. You can visit the general store for daily needs. The town also offers a large exercise area and a playground for fun.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
Just 6 kilometres to the east is Logue Brook Dam. This dam is surrounded by beautiful jarrah forests. It's a great spot for outdoor activities. You can go camping, bushwalking, or horse-riding. Water sports like waterskiing and canoeing are also popular here.
A small village called Warawarrup is about 5 kilometres to the south. It is home to the Harvey Trotting Track.
Getting Around Cookernup
Cookernup is a stop on the Australind passenger train service. This train connects Perth to Bunbury. It makes travel easy for residents and visitors.
| Preceding station |  Transwa |
Following station | ||
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| Yarloop
towards Perth
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Australind | Harvey
towards Bunbury
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