Ongerup
The name Ongerup is derived from 'Yongerup', the Noongar word meaning 'place of the male kangaroo'. In 1910, the land was surveyed into 1,000 acre blocks and, after the opening of the Gnowangerup-Ongerup railway in 1913, settlement in the area gradually increased.
Sightseeing
Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre
Created to support and contribute to the conservation and
research of the endangered Malleefowl and its habitat, the Centre
provides visitors with a rare opportunity to view the Malleefowl in
its natural environment, while appreciating the sometimes
unforgiving yet always spectacular surrounding mallee bush.
Journey back through history with a visit to the 'Fowl Play'
exhibition and enter the world of the Malleefowl bu walking through
the bushland and watching them as they tend to their nest mound with
their incredibly powerful feet (Aug-Sept). For further information
please contact 08 9828 2325 or visit www.yongergnow.com.au
Malleefowl Preservation Group
Once, in days gone by, you could find Malleefowl throughout the wheatbelt
and they were a common sight. However, due to loss of habitat and the
introduction of foreign animals that pose a threat to its environment, it is
now almost extinct. Yet somehow these remarkable birds are battling their way
back.
What makes Malleefowl so different is that they build an incubator mound of soil and leaf litter in which the chicks hatch underground. On the property of Kelly and Judy O'Neill, there are several frequently used mounds. Anyone interested can organise a guided tour to the Malleefowl mounds through the Malleefowl Preservation Group on 9828 2007.
Ongerup/Needilup District Museum
On Eldridge Street, constructed in 1918 as railway barracks for engine drivers and railway
workers stationed in Ongerup, the building became obsolete when the railway
service from Gnowangerup to Ongerup was suspended in 1957. It now houses the
Ongerup/Needilup District Museum.
If you thought the early settlers had a simple yet idyllic life, communing with nature ... check out the museum. It has been set up to reflect their lifestyle, with the primitive machinery they relied upon as well as household appliances and food containers. You can see they did it tough.
The museum also has an Aboriginal and early settler food and medicine display, as well as a replica Malleefowl mound.
Opened any time, on request, by contacting Vicki O'Neill on 9828 2282. Entry by donation.
Ongerup Public Hall and Centenary Gardens
The Hall was built in 1953 to replace an earlier building that had been
constructed in 1927. The foyer, library and meeting room were added in 1968.
Come and sit outside on the hand-made rock wall, finished with polished
granite, and enjoy the beautiful rose garden, which was planted to
commemorate the Centenary.
Picnics
Take a break in Ongerup, which has two very pleasant picnic spots. Apex
Park on Eldridge Street has a shady bush area with chairs and table and is
close to the shops.
Weir Park is the place for kids, as it has an undercover barbecue and
playground equipment. Children can wear themselves out here and sleep the rest of the way in the
back of the car.
Ongerup Wildflower Display
This annual botanical event is held during late September/early October,
at the Ongerup/Needilup District Museum.
From 400 to 500 specimens of local wildflowers are displayed and it's an
event that attracts visiting botanists. Not to be missed. Contact Vicki
O'Neill on 9828 2282 for more information.
Ongerup Telecentre
Come and see the friendly staff for all your photocopying,
desktop publishing, computer and internet requirements. We are also
the contact for Telstra, medicare, Westnet and Centrelink. Phone
9828 2203
Accommodation and Meals
Curlew Creek B&B Farm accommodation close to Ongerup. Ph 9828 2106, fax 9828 2109.
Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park Walker St.Onsite fully self-contained caravans, powered and unpowered sites, hot showers and laundry. Ph/fax 9828 2090.
Ongerup Hotel Jaekel St. A typical, friendly country pub that offers big hearty meals on Thursday to Sunday evenings, as well as accommodation. Located on Jaekel Street, Ongerup.
Ongerup Roadhouse Eldridge St. Open 7 days a week from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm and caters for all your one stop needs. Fuel and tasty meals available anytime. Located on Eldridge Street, Ongerup.
Ongerup Units Fully self contained budget accommodation. Ph 08) 98282082 or 0428 282 082.
Tarbunkenup Homestead
1900's fully self contained accommodation. Enjoy this 2 bedroom,
family friendly home. Situated on the Gnowangerup/Jerramungup Road
only 2km from the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre. Phone 9828 2090.
For more information, please visit the Shire of Gnowangerup website.
