Settlements

The Shire of Boyup Brook is home to a number of small rural settlements, each with its own history and connection to the district's agricultural and timber industries.

From the early days of railway development and European settlement, these communities have played an important role in shaping the history and character of the Boyup Brook district.

Dinninup

Located between Boyup Brook and Kojonup, Dinninup is a small rural settlement with a history closely connected to the development of the region's railway network.

The name Dinninup is Aboriginal in origin and was first recorded by surveyors in 1877 as the name of a nearby brook. The meaning of the name is not known.

In 1906, early settlers requested that land be reserved for a townsite in anticipation of the railway connecting Boyup Brook and Kojonup. The railway was completed in 1910, with Dinninup opening as a station along the line.

The townsite was officially gazetted in 1915, becoming part of the growing network of rural communities supporting the district's development.

Mayanup

Mayanup is a small rural settlement located south-east of Boyup Brook, with a history dating back to the early years of agricultural settlement in the district.

The area was opened for land selection in the early 1900s. In 1904, a request was made to reserve land for a townsite at Scotts Brook, and land was set aside the following year.

Initially known as Scotts Brook and also associated with the Aboriginal place name Gnowergerup, the settlement was later named Mayanup following a suggestion from the Upper Blackwood community.

Town lots were surveyed in 1906, and Mayanup was officially gazetted in 1907.

The settlement remains part of the Shire's rural landscape, reflecting the district's agricultural heritage and early development.

Wilga

Located between Boyup Brook and Donnybrook, Wilga has a rich history closely linked to the timber and railway industries that once played an important role in the district.

Wilga developed as a railway siding along the Donnybrook to Boyup Brook railway, serving the Adelaide Timber Company and the surrounding timber industry.

As the area developed, land was reserved for a townsite in 1912, with Wilga officially gazetted in 1915.

Among the earliest settlers were Fred and Lily Hoad, who initially lived in a tent while waiting for timber from the mill to build their home.

The name Wilga is believed to have originated from nearby Wilgee Springs, which appeared on maps as early as 1894. The Aboriginal word wilgee refers to ochre or pigment traditionally used in ceremonies.

Timber milling continued to shape the surrounding area, including the establishment of the Woop Woop sawmill approximately 10 kilometres from Wilga in 1925.

Today, Wilga remains a reminder of the district's timber industry and the communities that developed around its railway network.