SHIRE OF JERRAMUNGUP AND SURROUNDS

The Shire of Jerramungup is a local government area in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, about 180 kilometres northeast of Albany and about 440 kilometres southeast of Perth. The Shire covers an area of 6,507 square kilometres. The two main townsites in the shire are Jerramungup and Bremer Bay. Both of these towns have a rich history behind them and there are plenty to do an see. We are also not far from the Shire of Gnowangerup and the City of Albany which offer even more places to explore and discover.

Jerramungup

Jerramungup is known as Soldier Settlement Country. Blocks of land were origionally given to returned servicemen to clear and farm. Some of the origional houses or War Service Houses are still around today. There are a number of places to visit and see in the town.

Roe Park and Rootpickers Hall

Named after John Septimus Roe who was the first Surveyor General, the park includes a children's playground, a skateboard track, basketball ring and barbecue facilities. A memorial plaque to Major Colin Cameron, War Service  Land Services Supervisor,  can be found in the south east corner of the park.

Next to this is the building known as the Root Pickers Hall because it was paid for through volunteers picking mallee roots, and opened in April 1958, the hall is situated adjacent to Roe Park. Many town events are held in this precinct throughout the year. Including ANZAC Day and Remembrence Day Services, Australia Day Breakfast and the town Christmas Party hosted by the Jerramungup Occasional Daycare and Jerramungup District High School P & C.                                                           

Lions Park and Kokoda Op-Shop

Lions Park is an attractive tree-shaded park picnic facilities, tourist information board and public toilets (disabled facilities provided). Lion's Park is where you will also find the Kokoda Op-Shop which is run by a range of volunteers in the community. Spend and hour or so here and you will be surprised with what you might find. 

This area is also the designated coachline pickup and drop off point, and the starting point for the Jerramungup Heritage Trail.

Hassell Homestead

Home to a pioneering family whose descendants have occupied the land for over a century, the homestead is on private property but can be seen to the north from the Gairdner River Bridge 5km east of Jerramungup on the South Coast Highway.

Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay is the tourist hub of the Shire of Jerramungup and has grown substantially over the last 10 years due to not only the growing number of facilities in the community but also the world famous Bremer Bay Canyon.

Skate Park, Civic Square and Paperbarks Picnic Area

Bremer Bay's skate park and civic square are located in the centre of town in Bremer Bay. There are public facilities including BBQ’s, picnic tables, grass areas and toilets available for use as well as a nature playground for all ages. Located opposite the change rooms at John Cove the Paperbarks Picnic Area also includes shelter, gas barbeques and a fabulous new under 6 year old nature based play ground.

Whale Watching

January to April brings Orcas and an abudance of spectacular marine life to the Bremer Bay Canyon, located 30miles offshore from Bremer Bay. Tours are run daily through Naturaliste Charters and Whale Watch WA.

From July to October each year Southern Right whales can be seen calving in the calm waters of the many sheltered bays around the area and at times are as close as only six metres away. A whale watching platform is situated at Point Ann in the Fitzgerald National Park which is the perfect spot for catching a glimpse of the whales.

Fisheries Beach Marina

The Fisheries Beach Marina is not only used by the professional fishing industry, it also offers excellent facilities for recreational boat launching, with two concrete ramps, ample parking and easy access. The natural bay is ideal for sheltered swimming.

Quaalup Homestead and Museum

Situated approximately 45kms from Bremer Bay in the Fitzgerald River National Park, the Quaalup homestead was built in 1858 and is open to the public, with guided tours and easy access to the Gairdner River. Accommodation is available with caravan and camping facilities.

Wellstead Museum & The Old Telegraph Station

Situated 3kms south of Bremer Bay is the original settlement in the region. Built in 1850 of local stone and burnt lime, the museum includes viewing of homestead outbuildings, artefacts and antiques. Guided tours are available. When your viewing is done, relax with lunch or coffee and cake at the cafe. Bremer Bay came into existence when it was chosen as one of the Telegraph Station sites of the Overland Telegraph. The first Station was built in 1875 and opened for telegraphic traffic on the 8th May 1876. The original building burnt down and was replaced with the existing stone structure in 1896. In 2019 the Old Telegraph Station was completely renovated by a local family and is now a cafe and coffee shop with a focus on using fresh local produce and home baked goods!

Swimming/Surfing/Diving/Fishing

Numerous beaches such as Little Boat Harbour, Blossoms Beach, Short Beach as well as Fishery Beach at the Marina are excellent swimming spots. John Cove is the main swimming only area. The endless stretch of striking white sand and the wide expanse of crystal blue water make all water sports memorable.

Surfing is another popular pastime, with excellent waves generally available at Native Dog Beach (Please note there is a rip at this site). Dependant on conditions and swell, waves are also found at Peppermint Beach, Bremer Beach and Blossoms Beach (which is suitable for beginners). 

Experience some of the best hard and soft coral diving on the South Coast. Sea Dragons abound as well as groper, Harlequin fish and many others. Lebens Diving Services deals in tank fills, hire gear, equipment repairs and a full range of courses.

Fishing can be enjoyed both on and off shore, with species ranging from herring, skippy and salmon, to deep water varieties such as nannygai, snapper, groper and a host of others. Fishing sites are located from Flat Rock (John Cove) around the peninsula to Reef Beach and the Pallinup estuary. The Bremer River also provides for bream, mullet, crabs and prawns in season with a small boat launching pad at Muirs Point.

Wildflowers

WildflowersWildflowers are evident all year round if on foot, and can be found in abundance from September through to November. Many rare species are found only in and around Bremer Bay and the Fitzgerald National Park.

Surrounding Places

Stirling Range National Park

Stirling Range National Park is home to the only major mountain range in the southern area of WA, rising to more than 1000m above sea level and creating a challenging and spectacular hiking experience. The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, meaning ‘mist rolling around the mountains’ is a frequently seen occurrence. In spring and early summer, the ranges come to life with an abundance of wildflowers and bird life which can be seen from the mountain hiking trails, lookouts and picnic areas scattered throughout the park. If the hikes aren’t for you, opt for the 42km scenic drive on mostly unsealed, graded roads weaving through the heart of the park with stops along the way.  

Camp nearby at the Stirling Range Retreat or Mount Trio Bush Camping and Caravan Park on the northern boundary of the park. 

Bluff Knoll, or Bular Mial, is a place of cultural significance for Minang and Goreng people, information and stories can be learnt through signage on the Eastern Lookout. Click here for more information.

City of Albany

The city of Albany is situated approximately 180km from Jerramungup. Here you will find a large shopping precinct, indoor pool, beaches and a range of different experiences. Visit Amazing Albany here to find out more.