GNOWANGERUP
Gnowangerup is a town that is
encounted when taking the tourist route from Katanning too Albany.
Gnowangerup is one of the larger and many ‘up’ (place of) towns in the
southern region of WA. The ‘up’ (place of) is derived from a local
tribe Aboriginal speech. Gnowangerup is also one of the gateway towns
to the Stirling Ranges. An imposing ‘mountain range’ that appears
suddenly from the south.
The townsite was first
gazetted in 1908 under the spelling of Ngowangerupp. Local
dissatisfaction with this spelling led to it being altered to
Gnowangerup in 1913. The Gnowangerup Historic Centre has all the
details and a great background on the town and history.
A branch railway from
Tambellup reached Gnowangerup on 1 July, 1912. It was extended to
Ongerup on 6 January, 1913. Train services east of Gnowangerup ceased
on 13 October, 1957. The name of the townsite is Aboriginal, being
derived from nearby Gnowangerup Creek and spring, both names being
first recorded in 1878. The name means "place where the Mallee hen
(Gnow) nests".
Gnowangerup is a nice town that has
wide avenue type streets that gives the place character and heritage
is clearly important.  
The Gnowangerup churches are a mix of
the very old and new. 
The pub is a great classic turn of the
century imposing hotel.
Obviously the social centre of the town.
The Gnowangerup War Memorial is on the
western approaches to the town.
Gnowangerup could be deemed a
diversion, as the chosen route to Albany via the Stirling Ranges
determines a visit. Should the timing be right the hotel certainly
looks appealing. 
Heritage diary
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