| Pinjarra | |
Location: | 87km south of Perth |
Shire: | Murray |
Population: | Pinjarra 1779
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Postcode: | 6208 |
Established to service the farms of the region in the 1830s, Pinjarra is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. It is the gateway to the Murray Valley and jarrah forests in the vicinity. Farming is still the main industry around Pinjarra, with dairying, beef, sheep and pigs supported by fishing, fruit growing, bauxite mining and timber milling.
Many historic buildings are still standing in the town providing an insight into the lives of the early settlers. The Pinjarrah Heritage Trail includes eight of these on its route, including the former home of the McLarty family, 'Edenvale', an impressive home that has been restored to its original state and now houses the tourist centre, tea rooms and arts and crafts. St John's Church, also on the trail, stands opposite Edenvale. Built in 1861 of locallymade mud brick, it is still in use today.
The Heritage Rose Garden in Henry Street contains 300 Heritage Roses. One, dating from 3000 BC, is the oldest known rose in cultivation.
The Murray River flows through the town and is the largest permanent river in the region. There are a number of picnic spots along its banks, including Pioneer Memorial Park and in the summer swimming and canoeing are popular sports on the river.
The district around Pinjarra includes many places of interest. Old Blythewood is a National Trust property 4 kilometres south of Pinjarra, and Coopers Mill, the first flour mill in the Murray region, is open to tourists. Access can only be gained by boat.
The Hotham Valley Tourist Railway runs steam train trips between Pinjarra and Dwellingup.