Pinjarra, Western Australia

Pinjarra is a town in the state of Western Australia. It is about 86 kilometres south of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Pinjarra is in the Peel region, near the Murray River.

Pinjarra
Western Australia
Pinjarra
Coordinates32°37′48″S 115°52′16″E / 32.63000°S 115.87111°E / -32.63000; 115.87111
Population3,883 (UCL 2021)[1]
Established1831
Postcode(s)6208
Elevation9.58 m (31 ft)
Location
  • 82 km (51 mi) from Perth
  • 21 km (13 mi) from Mandurah
  • 25 km (16 mi) from Waroona
  • 25 km (16 mi) from Dwellingup
  • 43 km (27 mi) from Mundijong
LGA(s)Shire of Murray
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
19.2 °C
67 °F
11.8 °C
53 °F
941.4 mm
37.1 in

History

Pinjarra is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia. It was settled by Europeans in the 1830s. The area was originally home to the Noongar people, the Aboriginal people of the southwest of Western Australia.

In 1834, the Pinjarra Massacre happened, where many Noongar people were killed by British soldiers. This is an important and sad part of the town’s history.

Population

As of the 2021 census, about 5,200 people live in Pinjarra. The town has grown in recent years because more people are moving away from Perth to smaller towns.

Economy

Pinjarra is known for aluminium production. The Alcoa alumina refinery near the town is one of the largest in the world. Farming and tourism are also important to the local economy.

Transport

Pinjarra is on the South Western Highway, which connects Perth to Bunbury. It also has a train station on the Transwa Australind line, which goes between Perth and Bunbury.

Attractions

  • Hotham Valley Railway: A tourist steam train that runs on special days.
  • Edenvale Heritage Precinct: A group of historic buildings and a museum.
  • Murray River: A popular place for fishing, boating, and picnics.
  • Ranger Red’s Zoo: A small zoo with Australian animals.

Education

Pinjarra has primary and high schools, including Pinjarra Senior High School. There are also nearby schools in Mandurah and other towns.

  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Pinjarra (urban centre and locality)". Australian Census 2021.