The story of West Murray – before the Yunderup canals and before the Murray River changed dramatically after the construction of the Dandalup Dams to the east and the Dawesville Cut to the west – is far different to what we see today.
More than 100 years ago, as farmers and fishermen settled along both sides of the Murray from Ravenswood to the Estuary, these settlements became collectively known as West Murray. Though the townsite of Yoondooroop (later Yundurup) had been gazetted in 1898, the name Yunderup (with today’s spelling) was not really adopted until after 1970.
Early last century, West Murray fishermen raced their yachts on the estuary against fishermen from Mandurah. A fish factory had been established on the south side of the river opposite Culeenup Island and the farmers' and fishermen’s families enjoyed regular family picnics at the mouth of the river. In the 1920’s the horse and cart was still a regular means of transport from the Pinjarra railway station to south Yunderup.
During the next 50 years, the West Murray area grew as a popular holiday destination. Dairy farmers came by boat to deliver milk to jetties and fishing continued to be a popular local occupation. Children learned to row boats from an early age.
West Murray proved to be popular for honeymoon couples from Perth and the local general store was a daily meeting place for holidaymakers. Even the threat of regular flooding of the river did not deter residents or visitors from their love of the West Murray area.
