South West Life

In 1910, the largest passenger liner to ever sink off the coast of Australia went down near Augusta. To this day, the S.S. Pericles remains the only shipwreck at Cape Leeuwin since the Lighthouse was built in 1896.

In the second half of the nineteenth Century, the industrial revolution was well underway, and while the colonies were not the massive centres of production that were to be found in Europe, and especially in Britain, there was a clear need for sources of energy to be found.

In the early 1950s, Australia became involved in the Korean War. The history is there for those who want it, and the Australian War Memorial will show you a good overview of what happened. You'll note that 3 RAR covered themselves in glory. You'll note that 339 Australians lost their lives, and you'll note that it was neither the first nor the last time that such sacrifices were made.

For years we've been writing about why it's really special living in the South West. Research for this story started in a very different direction from where we've eventually been taken. Where we eventually wound up was looking at an incident that we'd assumed was one of the nastiest in our history.

The Sisters of Mercy were established in Perth in the 19th century and a convent was established at Victoria Square. In 1883, three of the Sisters boarded the SS Otway in Fremantle and sailed for Bunbury, whereupon commenced a very great deal of endeavour.

George Layman arrived in Fremantle on board the Orelia in 1829 with just six pence in his pocket. But out of those humble circumstances came a new beginning and the establishment of a family and farm in the harsh environment of the south west.

At 2.5km, the Dardanup Heritage Walk Trail is a concise tour and summary of the historical buildings of Dardanup and their stories.

In October 1941, just two weeks before it went missing in action, the HMAS Sydney made a surprise visit to Bunbury. Not only did it give locals a rare treat, but it allowed a young crewmember from Bunbury to catch up with his family and friends.

During World War II the Federal Government embarked upon a policy of limited Internment. One of the camps was in the south west.

Koombana Bay, in Bunbury, has witnessed 29 shipwrecks throughout history. Here's a few details.