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The Population of Australind Town site is 7954,
Clifton Park 1,347, Leschenault 3,372 total of
12,673. Harvey Shire total is 22,529
Australind, tops the National list for W.A's
best Sea change destination town in 2007, and is one of
the fastest growing towns in regional Western
Australia. Australind outshone several Queensland retreats and
Dudley Park, near Mandurah.
Australind was one of the earliest settlements in the State. It was
named by its founders from a contraction of Australia and
India, hoping there would be a prosperous trade
between the two countries with cavalry horses and food. The town
boasts many heritage buildings and features, which historically are
valuable reminders of the Pioneers from the mid 1800s.
At the south-western end of the Harvey
Shire, Australind is virtually surrounded by water with
the Brunswick and Collie Rivers
to the east and south, and the Leschenault Estuary
to the west — an aquatic paradise where you can enjoy boating,
sailing and windsurfing. The estuary has a large population of
Blue swimmer crabs (Blue manna crabs) in season,
which is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. If you prefer
to fish you have come to the right place! The waters around
Australind are abundant with fish such as silver bream and
whiting.
The Leschenault Peninsula Nature
Reserve at the northern end of Australind is a haven for
native flora and fauna — a nature lover’s paradise. A good time to
see the wildlife, especially kangaroos, is at dusk. Large numbers
gather together and flocks of black swans converge on the waters
opposite. With the inevitable magnificent sunset, this makes a
unique photo opportunity that delights both tourists and
locals.
Other suburbs in the Harvey Shire that
surround Australind area
are: Ashmere Heights, Bountiful Estate, Brotherton
Heights, Clifton Park, Galway Green, Kingston, Leschenault,
Leschenault Parklands, Parkfield Green, Marina Waters, Meadow
Landing, Riverlands, Settlers Estate & Treendale.
Australind today is a vibrant, modern community
which enjoys a wonderful, relaxed lifestyle. Stroll through the
shopping centre and find a bargain to recall your time spent in
Australind, or take a coffee break and enjoy the view.
Things to See and Do
AUSTRALIND MOSAIC
This is one of many mosaics you will find in the
Harvey District. Designed and made by a Harvey born and bred '
Anthea Ward'.
LESCHENAULT PENINSULA CONSERVATION PARK
Turn into Cathedral Avenue (scenic drive) from
the Old Coast Road to Buffalo Road, then into the Conservation
Park. On entering the Park there is an information bay, picnic
areas and a camping area. DEC (CALM) rangers collect camping fees
daily. This area is abundant with native wildlife, where 60 species
of birds have been recorded. Watch the dolphins at play on the
southern and western sides
of the peninsula. Binoculars would be a good accessory to take with
you! Only walking and cycling are permitted across most of the
Park. However, 4WD beach access is available from Buffalo Beach.
Long or short circuit walks can be enjoyed. There is a 4km Estuary
Walk which will take you about 1.5 hours, or a short walk which
starts at the carpark. An information panel tells you which
direction to take.
LESCHENAULT DISCOVERY CENTRE / JETTY WALK
A Living Window 1.5 km south of town centre on
Old Coast Road. Entry Free. Learn about the estuary environment and
the plants and animals in it. Stroll out over the tranquil waters
of the estuary on the jetty. A great place to fish or just relax.
BBQ and toilet facilities on site.
FEATURED WOOD GALLERY AND MUSEUM
Light Industrial Area (5 Piggott Dve, off Paris
Road roundabout to Treendale)
Unique wood craft and furniture created by craftsman John Ablett
using forest floor timbers, including jarrah, sheok and marri. A
new addition to the Gallery is the unique museum of life in 1861.
Watch out for Ned Kelly, Indian's and Aboriginal
artifacts.
LESCHENAULT ESTUARY
Aquatic heaven along the Old Coast Road
Popular for crabbing, fishing, prawning, boating, sailing and
windsurfing. Boat ramp, car park, playground and public toilets are
opposite the shopping centre. Numerous picnic and BBQ (wood) sites
are scattered along the foreshore. Fishing groyne and Leschenault
Discovery Centre located 1.5km south of the shopping centre. Throw
in a line and catch a tailor, whiting, flathead, flounder or
herring for your evening meal.
CATHEDRAL AVENUE
Off Old Coast Road, north of the town
centre.
A shady, scenic drive through the arching paperbark trees along the
estuary foreshore. This is a favourite place for kangaroos and
black swans, especially at sunset. BBQs and picnic sites are
located along this drive.
AUSTRALIND HERITAGE TRAIL
The name Australind was coined by its founders,
the Western Australian Company, from a contraction of Australia and
India.
1. Henton Cottage - Paris
Rd (originally 'The Prince of Wales
Hotel')
Opposite St Nicholas Church is of historic
interest. Built in 1841 by William Dacres Williams as the "Prince
of Wales Hotel". Its Original two rooms came from England as a
prefabricated building. Heritage Roses that add to its appeal
surround the gardens. Henton Cottage now houses a Tourist
Information Centre, arts crafts and collectable antiques.
2. The Church of St Nicholas - Paris
Rd
Approximately 2km north of Henton
Cottage on Old Coast Road.
An interesting reminder of the early days is the historic Church of
St Nicholas opposite Henton Cottage.
Built by James Narroway in 1840's circa as a small workman's hut
where he lived with his wife Sarah. Later in 1848, it was used
for a church and on the festival of St Nicholas in 1993, the
church became a parish in it's own right then converted to a
Congressional Chapel by John Allnutt (whose home can be seen
nearby) prior to 1860's and dedicated to the Church of England in
1915. Made of Jarrah and measuring only 3.8 × 6.7m, it claims the
distinction of being the smallest church in Western
Australia. It was the only building then available for
settlers to use as a place of worship.
3. Upton House - Upton Pl
Built
in 1844/5 for Mrs. Elizabeth Fry. The original building bricks are
believed to have been cargo or ballast on the "Trusty" during her
second voyage to Australind in 1844.
Private residence. (not open to the public)
4. Memorial Seat - Old Coast
Rd
Situated 800 metres north of Henton Cottage on
Old Coast Road. A stone memorial seat located on the site of
the landing of the first settlers in 1840. A plaque showing
the original town plan and memorial to early pioneer's and
ships.
5. Pioneer Park - Opposite memorial
seat
First planted circa 1843 by Lucy, Rachel and
Caroline Clifton. Two of the three peppermint trees still
stand plus a fig tree brought from Tenerife Island in 1841.
6. Cathedral Avenue - Scenic Drive 3.4
km
Scenic Drive - 3.4 km. This was the
original Old Coast road. Although the road has been altered
in parts, the paperbark trees can still be admired arching over the
road in a cathedral like manner.
7. John Boyle O'Reilly Memorial Monument - Buffalo
Rd - 11.6km Buffalo Road - 11.6 km.
In 1803
Lieutenant de Freycinet on board the ‘Casurina’ sighted a rocky
point which was part of what is known now as Koombana Bay. On
entering the Bay he discovered an inlet which he named
‘Leschenault’ after the expedition's botanist. John Boyle O’Reilly
was one of 62 Irish Political prisoners among 279 convicts who
arrived at Fremantle in 1868. He was a member of the Fenian
Movement, an organisation dedicated to achieving an independent
Irish Republic. O’Reilly escaped from this area whilst
working as a member of a convict road crew near Bunbury. He
hid in the dense peppermint woodland with the help of a local
family. O’Reilly made his escape aboard an American Whaler,
the ‘Gazelle’ on 3 March 1869. Before settling in Boston he
assisted 6 Fenian political prisoners in their escape from
Fremantle Prison aboard the ‘Catalpa’. He became a well known
humanitarian, poet, writer and orator. A granite monument
erected to O’Reilly stands at the northern entry to the Leschenault
Peninsular Park.
Following European Settlement the Peninsular was mostly used for
stock grazing. In 1838 Thomas Little purchased 741.4 hectares
on Leschenault Peninsula on behalf of Charles Prinsep, and named
the homestead Belvidere in honor of the Prinsep mansion in
Calcutta. Little managed the property to raise horses and
cattle for the Indian Army. In the late 1960s and throughout
the 1970s, Belvidere became a commune for alternative lifestyler's,
with up to 14 houses. A granite monument to; John O Reilly,
Irishman, soldier, convict, poet, author and lecturer.
John Boyle O'Reilly Wetland Trail - Leschenault Peninsula
Conservation Park
Length: 1km return - Surface: Bitumen and
Boardwalk - Difficultly: Easy - Users: Walkers,
Prams, Wheelchairs - Facilities: Information Shelter,
Tables, Toilets.
Learn more about the plants and animals of this park as you meander
through tuart, peppermint and paperbark trees. At the information
shelter, discover how the Irish convict John Boyle O'Reilly made
his daring escape into the bush here from a ship named the Gazelle
in 1869.
8. Australind Cemetery - Old Coast Rd -
2.2km (was Mt. Claremont Cemetery)
Approximately 2.2km north of Henton Cottage on Old
Coast Road, on the crest of a limestone hill, the
first burial took place on the 13th March 1842, that of Dr Anthony
French Carpenter, Medical Officer on board the Barque
"Parkfield". Dr. Carpenter was about thirty at the time
of his death. This unfortunate event was a year after the arrival
of the first settlers. Others buried here are Marshall Walter
Clifton and his wife Elinor along with many of their
descendants. A special feature in spring is an abundance of
wildflowers of all varieties.
OTHER HISTORICAL PLAQUES
Benjamin & James Piggott - near Shire Office
in front of Library, early pioneers.
Australind State School - 1.4 km Cathedral/ Scenic Drive
Catholic Church Site- Circa 1870- 1970 2.4km Cathedral Scenic
Drive
Parkfield School - 10 km - Buffalo Road, just past the stand of
trees.
NEW SUBDIVISIONS OF THE AUSTRALIND AREA
ASHMERE HEIGHTS
Beautiful meadows rich with wildlife.
BROTHERTON HEIGHTS
Just 2 minutes from the Leschenault Estuary and a variety of
activities for the whole family, water sport & crabbing, 3
minutes from Australind Shopping Centre, 2 minutes from High
School, 2 minutes from Primary Schools & 3 minutes from
Highway to Perth.
BOUNTIFUL ESTATE
Situated close to the Leschenault
Leisure Centre and playing fields and is close to almost
everything! The footy oval, soccer pitches, tennis courts and
public swimming pool. Just a short drive to the
Leschenault Estuary where you can drop the boat in, go crabbing or
just lay around enjoying what nature has to offer. Supermarket,
Schools and Doctors are all just a few minutes away. What more
could you want from a location? A perfect estate with all
the access that a growing family needs.
CLIFTON PARK
Clifton Park is close to the Brunswick & Collie Rivers,
shopping centre, crabbing and golfing.
LESCHENAULT
Enjoy a change of lifestyle in Leschenault.
If you ever thought about a lifestyle change this place could
be just the place for you.
MARINA WATERS
North of the Town of Australind amongst the
trees and wildlife.
MEADOW LANDING
Your very own tranquil environment with nothing
to disturb you but the sweet chirp of the birds and gentle breeze
blowing through the trees. Meadow Landing is the place to settle
down and enjoy what life has to offer.
GALWAY GREEN
Views to the Darling Ranges. Walking distance
to local school. Short stroll to the tranquil Brunswick River.
Close to local parkland, playground and lake. Short distance
from the shopping centre and the Leschenault Estuary.
PARKFIELD GREEN ESTATE
This wonderful estate
features an avenue of trees with sporting, recreation and
aquatic centre nearby. The Parkfield Green Estate has easy access
to primary and high schools and the Australind Shopping
Centre.
RIVERLANDS
TREENDALE
Located on the banks
of the Brunswick River, near Australind. Treendale Estate is
a 1,200 residential lot estate, which will also include a
major shopping centre, retail outlets, tavern, medical centre and
retirement village. Construction of stage 1 of the Treendale
District Centre will commence in February 2009 at a cost of $48
million, with construction of the proposed retirement village to
follow. This fresh and vibrant estate is a perfect place
to enjoy nature.
HERITAGE COUNCIL DATABASE-
AUSTRALIND
Australind Memorial (11964)
Australind Police Station (17444)
Australind Prec No 1- Henton Cottage, Upton House and Church of St
Nicholas (12022)
Belvidere (17632) (Leschenault)
Boat Landing (3179)
Catherdral Avenue and Wetlands Inc Paperbark Trees (4460)
(Leschenault)
Cooks Park Farmhouse (1186) (leschenault)
Church of St Nicholas, Australind (1188)
Ditchingham Homestead and Outbuildings (11965)
Henton Cottage (1189)
Parkfeild Homestead (11968)
John Boyle O'Reilly Monument (3163)
Mt Claremont Cemetary (fmr)(4528)
Springhill Homestead (1198)
Upton House (1187)
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Accommodation
