The rich soil of the fertile coastal plains is perfect for industries such as dairying, beef, citrus fruits and market gardening and production has been much improved by irrigation.

Water provided by the Stirling Dam and the Harvey Weir supplies a large irrigation scheme of which Harvey is the controlling centre. The irrigation storage dams, weirs and waterfalls have become popular tourist attractions featuring cool water and picturesque recreational areas. The Logue Brook Dam, Harvey Weir, Harvey River Diversion and Stirling Dam are particularly popular.

The pioneering Clarke family built their homestead, 'Jardup', just over the Harvey River. It has been restored and now features an art gallery and is open every Sunday.

Other places of interest include: The Deer and Tourist Park, Whittakers Mill Site and Five Mile Bridge. The Emu Tech Farm on the Old Coast Road, Myalup, combines a commercial emu farm in a tourist setting.

The Shire of Harvey includes some lovely unspoilt forests as well as over 50 kilometres of beautiful coastline, ideal for swimming and beach fishing.

• Name origin: Both the town and river are named after Major Harvey who is thought to have first explored the river in 1834.