Capel History and Tourist Attraction

History Today the main industry in Capel and its Districts is mineral sands mining.  However, farming is still important, with agricultural industries, including viticulture, dairy industry, dairy processing plants and blue gums bringing diversity to the area. The area covered by the Capel Shire is popular for hobby farms, enticing the “sea changers” and “tree-changers” looking for a more relaxed lifestyle and often an area selected by those who live alternative lifestyles. The Capel Shire's boundaries take in the picturesque town of Boyanup, the semi-rural settlements of Stratham, Gelorup, Elgin, Gwindinup and Capel River Valley, and the beachside estates of Peppermint Grove and Dalyellup. Boyanup town was settled in the 1840's by Dublin lawyer, James Bessonnet who named his farm 'Boyanup' meaning 'place of quartz' in indigenous Nyungar language. Ecological and Natural Attractions Tuart Forest National Park Covering an area of approximately 2,280 hectares, the Tuart Forest National Park is located on the coastal plain between Capel and Busselton and is the largest naturally occurring Tuart forest in the world.  Its unique blend of Tuart, Peppermint trees and grasses give a park-like appearance in which a diverse range of flora and fauna (including an endangered species, the Ringtail Possom) make it ideal for bushwalking, nature studies and picnics. Capel Wetlands Capel Wetlands are a migratory destination and home to scores of waterbirds. Wetlands ecosystems are a valuable but diminishing resource on which much of our wildlife depends. Iluka Resources Limited has set about reversing that trend by undertaking a project to create a Wetlands Centre of international standing on land that was once a pine plantation. For school excursions and group bookings contact Capel Wetland Centre on (08) 97271070 Ironstone Gully Falls The picturesque Ironstone Gully Falls picnic area lie south east towards Donnybrook along  theGoodwood Road. In the wet season, the stream, which has followed a course through one of the state's many fine jarrah forests, crosses under the road and gently meanders over a series of rapids dropping over a ledge nine metres high. At the end of Winter through to Spring (August to October) a stunning display of WA wildflowers carpets the surrounding countryside. Cultural and Lifestyle Attractions Capel maintains a casual rural lifestyle amongst rolling green hills, towering jarrah and karri forests and miles and miles of sparkling beaches. Beaches With 29 kms of pristine beaches to choose from in the Capel area, just choose the water sport that suits you.  Crystal, clear waters, safe swimming for families, excellent fishing, scuba diving, surfing, boating and other water sports make this area a veritable water playground. Beach access for launching of boats is permitted at Forest, Peppermint Grove, Minninup and Dalyellup beaches. Rogan Josh Horse racing's King of Capel, Rogan Josh, is spending his retirement days in a palatial paddock in the centre of the town. He was born and bred in Capel, and went from obscurity to national prominence at the 1999 Melbourne Spring Carnival with victory in Australia’s greatest race, the Melbourne Cup. Additional information and a display of Rogan Josh's winning memorabilia are available from the Capel Tavern. Access to see Rogan Josh is via a walkway adjacent to the Capel River Bridge. He's available for visits, pats, and hugs from all lovers of the equine athlete, to those who backed him on that memorable day in November 1999. For further information contact: Rob Witten (08) 9727 2143 Ken Caratti (08) 9727 2376 Terry Blechynden (08) 9727 2036