Capel
Set on the banks of the Capel River, this little town is the centre of a busy agricultural and horticultural area. Whilst dairying was once a major industry, since deregulation, this industry has diminished in importance somewhat and other ventures, such as vineyards and orchards, are becoming more prevalent.
Capel, home of Melbourne Cup winner, the mighty Rogan Josh, who still grazes in the paddocks by the river, is a centre for the horse racing industry, as you will see by the numbers of stables as you drive around the town.
There is also a burgeoning mineral sands industry in Capel and you will see the efforts of these companies with their mine site rehabilitation programs as you drive through the shire. One particular feature of this area is the wetlands area in the former Iluka mining site, where you can use the specially constructed hides to watch the waterbirds as they come to feed and drink.
Capel is also home to a spectacular tuart forest which is one of the few remaining stands of these beautiful trees left in the state. A walk in the tuarts is a magical and inspiring experience.
Apart from the Capel River, there are other water attractions in Capel.
Take a visit to Peppermint Grove Beach - a beautiful beach just right for family picnics, or if you like your water less salty, pay a visit to the picturesque Ironstone Gully Falls on the Goodwood Road between Capel and Donnybrook. This is a charming little spot, where children can safely explore and paddle in the water to their heart’s content.
For more information, contact the Shire of Capel offices on 9727 2030 or visit the shire web site at www.capel.wa.gov.au
