| Manjimup | |
Location: | 304km south of Perth |
Shire: | Manjimup |
Population: | 4353 |
Postcode: | 6258 |
The attractive town of Manjimup is the gateway to the tall timber country of the jarrah and karri forests in the southwest corner of the State. The town was established in 1910 when the extension of the railway line to Manjimup opened the area up for the exploitation of the forests.
Today the timber industry and agriculture, including dairying, potato growing, fruit growing, wool, beef cattle and sheep farming, are the mainstays of the town's economy. The apple picking season, from March to June is a busy time for the town.
Manjimup's principal tourist attraction is the Regional Timber Park which includes a number of attractions relating to the timber industry: Bunnings Age of Steam Museum displaying original sawmill equipment; an Historical Hamlet comprising early settlers' cottages, school, police station and lockup; the Timber Museum which traces the history of Western Australia's timber industry since the first pitsawn timber was exported from the Swan River Colony in 1830; a working Blacksmith's Shop; the Fire Tower Lookout, an 18m tower providing views of the surrounding countryside and Timber Park Gallery, featuring arts and crafts and Devonshire teas.
The area around Manjimup contains a number of mill towns, including Deanmill and others which still have operating sawmills. Twelve kilometres to the south, Diamond Chip Mill offers free guided tours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Nine kilometres south, on the South Western Highway, is the Diamond Tree Fire Lookout Tower. The lookout was built at the top of a 51m karri tree in 1941 and used until 1974 when spotter aircraft took over. Today, it gives those braving the climb a superb view of the surrounding countryside.
Two attractions west of Manjimup on the Graphite Road are One Tree Bridge and Four Acres. The bridge was originally constructed in 1904 and although it was damaged by floods in 1966 it is a picturesque spot. Just 1.5 kilometres from the bridge, Four Acres is the site of superb karri trees averaging 73m in height and believed to be over 300 years old. Fontys Pool is a great swimming and picnic spot just 7 kilometres from town along Seven Day Road.
Other places of interest in the area include the 100 Year Forest, a karri forest now growing on land originally cleared for wheat; the historic church and pioneer cemetery at Dingup and two wineries, Piano Gully Wines and Constable Wines. Local activities include scenic drives, picnicking, canoeing, bush walking, marroning (in season), trout fishing, swimming and horse riding.