This was published 9 years ago
Boyup Brook, Western Australia: Travel guide and things to do
Boyup Brook is located 269 km south east of Perth on the Blackwood River. Its name is probably a corruption of the local Aboriginal word 'booyup' which means a 'place of big stones' or 'a place of much smoke'. The term probably applies to a pool near the town which was surrounded by thick grass tree (once called 'blackboy') plants.
The first European into the area was the explorer A. C. Gregory who marked a tree to the northeast of the town with the year '1845' and his initials. He was probably the first European to cross the Blackwood River although there is some evidence that explorations up the river had started as early as 1834.
The area was first settled in 1854 when Commander Scott, following a trail blazed by John Hassell, settled at Scotts Brook south of the town and built a homestead which he called Norlup. He was followed in 1861 by James George Lee Steere who settled on the Blackwood River. In 1871 William Forrest took up land which he named Dwalganup. By 1882 there were 19 families in the district.
The township of Boyup Brook came into existence with the building of a school in 1900. By 1909 the railway from Donnybrook had reached the tiny settlement.
In 1940 a flax mill was built in the town to meet the wartime demand for the product. It closed down in the 1960s however part of the museum exhibition at the Boyup Brook Tourist Centre recalls the industry.
Today Boyup Brook is a quiet little town servicing the surrounding sheep, beef cattle, oat and barley producers. The main attractions are the beautiful Blackwood River and the beautiful wildflowers.
There is a very detailed history of the district titled History of the Upper Blackwood which was published in 1968. Although somewhat dated it can still be purchased from the Boyup Brook Tourist Information Centre.
Things to see
Boyup Brook Tourist Centre
The highlight of the Boyup Brook Tourist Centre is the butterfly collection officially the Carnaby Collection of Beetles and Butterflies. The collector, Keith Carnaby, was well known in entomological circles. He had beetles named after him and the collection of jewel beetles at the centre are regarded as the best outside the British Museum of Natural History. The Boyup Brook Tourist Centre has maps of the district with detailed instructions on how to get to the Gregory Tree and Norlup, the Pioneer Homestead. The centre is open between 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Winnanarup Mohair Stud
Located 5km from town this stud is open by appointment. Contact Bev Prideaux on (097) 651 083.
Boyup Brook Grapevine
One unusual sight in the area, although it is on private property and not always open for inspection, is a huge grape vine which the residents of Boyup Brook believe to be the largest in Australia and possibly the largest in the world.
The story of the vine has the quality of a folk tale. The current owner's grandmother, over 100 years ago, brought a piece of grapevine back from Bridgetown as a switch for flicking the horses which were pulling her sulky. She planted it and, over 100 years later, it has grown into a huge, single grape vine. To view this remarkable vine ask at the Boyup Brook Tourist Centre. It is located on a farm about 8 km out of Boyup Brook just off the Donnybrook Road.
Blackwood Crest Winery
Located 40 km from town at Kilikup this winery offers barbecue and catering facilities. Contact (09) 767 3029 for more details.
Sandy Chambers
Sandy Chambers is a well known Western Australian artist and sculptor. He has many art works in his house and there is an aviary in the garden. Contact (09) 765 1225 to visit.
Country Music Centre
Located 5km outside town is Harvey Dickson's Country Music Centre which includes a studio, a museum and a barbecue area. Contact (09) 765 1125.
Norlup
Norlup was one of the first farms established in the district. Commander Scott took up land here in 1845 and the present home was built in 1874 and recently restored by its present owners. It can be inspected. Contact Lance Hester on (09) 767 3034.
Scotts Brook Winery
Located 20km south east of Boyup Brook this winery has wine tastings and cellar sales. For opening times contact (09) 765 3014.
Bicentennial Walking Trail
A pleasant walk around Boyup Brook and beside the Blackwood River. Ask for details at the Tourist Information Office.
Gregory Tree
This is the remaining stump of the tree blazed by Surveyor Augustus Gregory in 1845. It is located on Gibbs Road. The Tourist Office will direct you to it.
The Flax Mill
Built during World War II this unusual building was constructed to treat flax which was being grown in the district. Prior to the war Britain had been supplied with flax from Europe. This supply disappeared during the war and Boyup Brook began production which reached a peak when the Flax Mill was operating 24 hours a day and employing over 400 people in 1943. It continued to operate until 1965. Today it has been converted into a recreation and accommodation complex.
Tourist Information
Boyup Brook Tourist Information Centre
Cnr Bridge & Abel Sts
Boyup Brook WA 6244
Telephone: (08) 9765 1444
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