The Shire of Augusta Margaret River would like to acknowledge that we are on Wadandi and Pibelmen country whose ancestors and their descendants are the traditional owners of this country. We acknowledge that they have been custodians for many centuries and continue to perform age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We acknowledge their living culture and their unique role in the life of this region. The Shire is committed to Indigenous Australians sharing fairly and equitably in the shire’s cultural, environmental and economic future.
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An impressive local history collection is maintained at the Augusta and Margaret River Libraries. The Shire welcomes contributions to the collection by local residents and via any historic documents. The Augusta Historical Museum is also a source of history information.
Augusta Margaret River historical timeline
This was compiled from the Oral History report, written records and input from residents. In constructing the timeline a range of sources was consulted, including oral history participants, the publication “The Light of Leeuwin” by Gail J. Cresswell, members of Historical Societies, community members, and various printed and electronic documents.
| 50,000 BC to present day | Wadandi and Pibelmen people are custodians and perform age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. |
1600s | 1621 Dutch vessel ‘Leeuwin’ makes first sighting of south west coast of Western Australia |
1700s | 1772 Geographical observations recorded by the ‘Gros Ventre’, anchored in Flinders Bay 1800-1830 |
1800s | 1801 The explorer Mathew Flinders was instructed to survey unknown sections of New Holland. Flinders arrived off Cape Leeuwin in the ‘Investigator’ and nominates Cape Leeuwin as the south-western, most projecting part of Australia Explorer Captain Nicholas Baudin arrived at Hamelin Bay from Isle de France (Mauritius), naming many places along the (now AMR Shire) coast before making landfall at Geographe Bay and continuing the length of the west coast of Australia. Baudin and Flinders later met (1802) at Kangaroo Island SA during the latter part of their separate explorations 1827 WA Lieutenant-Governor Stirling sights and sails around Cape Leeuwin 1830 A group of white settlers are persuaded by the WA Lieutenant-Governor to settle near Cape Leeuwin, forming the town of Augusta. 1832 The advantages of Jarrah is noted when the severely damaged hull of HMS Success was repaired using jarrah and successfully sailed back to England Town of Augusta is surveyed by A Hillman 1834 Relationship between Aborigines and settlers deteriorates. 1839 Whaling off the coast of Augusta had become an established industry. |
1840s | Two of the Leeuwin Naturalise Ridge caves are discovered north of Augusta. 1849 Last of the original settling families leaves Augusta. Settlement seen as a failure due to inexperience, the hardwood timber, and lack of government assistance. Area remains relatively dormant for nearly 20 years |
1850s | A party of convicts cuts the first Jarrah timber for export from Augusta. Work takes so long, due to difficulties with Jarrah, that no profit is made and convict party recalled. 1857 “Ellensbrook” homestead built on site that is to be recognised as the potential (Margaret River) town site. |
1860s | Only four families or individuals left in Augusta district by early 1860’s due to land grant restrictions and difficulties with land clearing 1861 Sleeper cutting commences in Augusta area. 1864 Second wave of Augusta settlers take up land. |
1870s | Timber Industry potential begins to be realised 1879 Ellensbrook Home Farm for Aborigines established by Church of England. |
1880s | European disease epidemics (venereal, influenza, and measles) cause decline in Aboriginal population. Timber industry grows througout the 1880s. Timber industry supports infrastructure and commercial growth in the region: a number of mills (Kudardup, Karridale, Boranup and Jarrahdene), two long jetties (Flinders Bay and Hamelin Bay) and the foundation and growth of the company town of Karridale 1887 Depression. 1888 Karridale School opened. |
1890s | Demand for timber steadily growing in second part of 1890’s, majority of orders from SA. 1891 Augusta District Road Board was formed. 1895-1896 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse constructed 1895 . |
1900s | 1907 Timber industry workers go on strike for 14 weeks, requesting a reduction in working hours from 9 to 8 per day, and increased pay. 1900-1914 Approximately 17 million railway sleepers were cut from Augusta Margaret River region. |
1910s | 1910 Margaret River officially declared a townsite. 1912 Only three houses in Margaret River. 1913 Forests are decimated from the timber industry push. Remaining forest is not economically viable. Three of the regions timber mills have closed |
1920s | 1921 The beginning of group settlements. These occurred at numerous localities in the region including Karridale, Kudardup, Nuralingup, Forest Grove, Cowaramup, Rosa Brook, Witchcliffe and later at Margaret River. Commercial and community development in Margaret River grows to support group settlements includes a bakery, fresh food (fruit, vegetable, meat and milk) shop, Post Office, Hospital 1921 Population of Augusta Margaret River increases more than 10-fold in ten years (1919 – 1921) from around 200 to 2400 people 1924 WA Jarrah Forest Ltd forms from two companies (Adelaide Timber Company and JF Pilgrim) tendering for government sawmill contract. Begin operations in 1924 supplying sleepers to South Africa and timber for Group houses. Important income supplement for many of the group settlement. 1925 The railway line from Busselton to Margaret River is completed in the early 1920s, Busselton to Flinders Bay railway opened. The first agricultural show is held at Karridale. 1926 The last group settlement to the area. 1929 The Bunbury Butter Company buys 10 acres to build a factory in Margaret River. The factory is built by Wesfarmers and in 1933 it is purchased by South West Co-operative Dairy Farmers Ltd. |
1930s | Large number of CWA’s formed in region – Rosa Glen / Witchcliffe, Rosa Brook, Margaret River, Karridale. Also beginnings of other clubs: Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Red Cross, RSL’s Last Quokka seen in region. 1933 First pines planted in region. Extensive planting took place till 1941, when wartime restrictions brought about the curtailment of the program. 1937 Electricity is supplied in Margaret River, although not on a 24 hour basis. |
1940s | Salmon fishing established at Hamelin Bay during 1940s The war created an increase in demand for tobacco. In 1940 exploratory crops were established in the AMR Shire from Cowaramup through Rosa Glen, Rosa Brook, Margaret River to Karridale and Warner Glen. By the 1950s it had become unviable to grow tobacco and farmers diversified to vegetable and fruit growing or dairy farming Italian Prisoners of War worked as farm labourers in and around the district in 1943 Following World War II, a number of displaced Europeans, seconded to the Forests Department for the mandatory period of two years bonded to the government, are sent to Margaret River where they hand felled about 300 acres. War Service Land Settlement is established, with new settlers arriving to the Augusta Margaret River area. This settlement scheme proved more successful than the Group Settlement Scheme allowing for greater areas of cleared pasture and an improved standard of housing |
1950s | Main road from Vasse to Margaret River is sealed in 1950 Pine planting resumed in the area in 1951. Planting continued to 1957 when policy change caused the cessation of all soft wood plantations The volunteer fire brigade is formed in Margaret River in 1951 as a separate identity to the volunteer Bush Fire Brigades that were already in operation throughout the area. The butter factory in Margaret River (South West Co-operative Dairy Farmers Ltd) is converted to a cheese factory in 1952. The cheese factory is closed in 1950s Prevelly Caravan Park opens in 1953, marking Augusta Margaret River as a growing holiday / tourist destination First stage of Sunny West Cooperative Dairies in built in 1953. Margaret River District High School opens 1953. Many children now bus to major centres for school following closures of the small group schools The Augusta Margaret River tourist bureau incorporated in 1956 The Bussleton - Flinders Bay railway is closed in 1957 The Jewel Cave is opened to the public on Boxing Day 1959 |
1960s | The Commonwealth Development Bank make long-term loans for farm development available 1967 Cardiologist Dr Tom Cullity planted the first Margaret River vines on the eight acres of land that he had bought for $75 an acre on Harman's Road south. He named his property 'Vasse Felix'. |
1970s | Market Milk Quotas introduced 1970s sees ‘waves’ of people come to the Augusta Margaret River region, including the “orange people” and “surfies”. Some of these stayed to become long-term residents 1974 Molloy Island is purchased for sub-division and development. Barge starts operating – first vehicle on island in 1977 The first pro/am surfing competition is held in Margaret River 1979 Main road from Margaret River to Augusta is sealed. |
1980s | Immense growth in the shire: population grows from 3054 to 5331 in the ten years from 1976 to 1986. Farming areas are taken over with vineyards throughout the 1980s 1985 The first professional surfing competition, the Margaret River Thriller, is held. |
1990s | 1990 Beenup Mine opened Population continues to grow –doubled between 1981 and 1996 1993 Cloverdene Dairy become the first sheep milk dairy for cheese and yoghurt in district 1996 Gracetown disaster. Nine people are killed and one injured in a cliff collapse Slow decline in fishing industry 1999 Opening of Cape to Cape walk trail Two submissions presented (1998 and 2000) for the secession of Augusta and districts from the Augusta Margaret River Shire |
2000s | Dissolution of Shire Council (2000) with Commissioners appointed by the Minister for one year before elections for a full new council in September 2001. Deregulation of Dairy Industry (2000) Movement of vineyard ownership in area from family-owned to corporate-owned. |
2010s | 2011 Population in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River is approximately 13000 2011 Major bushfire sweeps through the Margaret River region. A total of 39 homes were destroyed including the historic Wallcliffe House, and 26 damaged. This is the second single biggest house loss in Western Australia to a single bushfire event, particularly one that resulted from an escape from a prescribed burn. 2014 Margaret River Pro becomes an international surfing competition |
- 1906
- Standard Oil engineers select the site for a new refinery.
- 1907
- Construction of Wood River Refinery begins.
- 1908
- First stills are put into production.
- 1909
- The City of Wood River is incorporated. Standard helps found first school, fire department and municipal band.
- 1911
- Due to antitrust actions, Standard Oil of Indiana is created as a separate company from its parent Standard Oil. The Company focuses on the growing demand for motor vehicle fuel.
Wood River Dating Timeline Template
- 1920
- The U.S. Census cites Wood River as one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation.
- 1926
- Largest outdoor swimming pool in nation is built, along with Roundhouse and a band shell.
- 1940's
- The Refinery steps up production to meet the needs of the War effort.
- 1956
- Standard Oil becomes Amoco.
- 1981
- After nearly 75 years, the Refinery closes. Demolition and environmental cleanup begins.
- 1996
- The chemical additives plant closes.
- 1998
- Amoco merges with British Petroleum as part of the new BP.
Wood River Dating Timeline For Women's
- 2000
- U.S. EPA names Wood River site as a National Brownfield Pilot Project.
- 2001
- Deer Park opens and is certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council.
- 2002
- 2002 Illinois EPA issues first two No Further Action letters designating two land parcels as needing no further action for remediation of soils and perched groundwater. Since then, four more parcels have received no further action letters with several more parcels currently under review.
- 2007
- Deer Park is certified as a Corporate Lands for Learning site by the Wildlife Habitat Council as local schools begin to use the site for student activities.
- 2010 - 2012
Major pipeline investigation is undertaken to identify and then clean or remove underground piping throughout the site.
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- 2011
BP donates property to City for a water detention pond to relieve flooding in the community.