The Region

Covering an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometres, the Shire is largely rural, including about 100,000 hectares of productive farmland supporting highly efficient livestock; sheep and cattle and cropping; wheat, lupins, barley, canola, clover seed, peas, oats and faba beans, and industries. The area is noted Australia wide for its Merino sheep and attracts large crowds at the annual Stud Field Days.

The Shire of Gnowangerup supports a population of 1271 (ABS 2011), a range of small to medium businesses many based around the agricultural and manufacturing industries and also a number of tourism enterprises.
There are three towns within the Shire; Gnowangerup, Ongerup and Borden and one locality, Amelup.
Bounded by the Stirling Range National Park to the south and the Shire’s of Jerramungup, Broomehill-Tambellup, Kent, Plantagenet and Albany, the Shire of Gnowangerup is the heart of the Great Southern region.

Tourism

Located close by is the majestic Stirling Range – a growing eco-tourism destination which attracts an estimated 175,000 persons annually, with well known climbing and scenic delights such as Bluff Knoll, Mount Toolbrunup and Mount Trio. The Shires theme “Heart of the Stirlings” typifies the attraction of the area. Wildflowers abound during the season in the Stirling Range National Park.

Other must-see locations include the Ongerup Museum, Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre, the Lily Dutch Windmill, the Steam Tractor outside the Shire administration offices, and Aylmore Springs, next to the Gnowangerup Swimming Pool .

Events of note include the Ongerup Wildflower Show and the annual Merino Sheep Field Days held throughout the district in August and September. Council also participates in the annual Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern Bloom Festival, every spring, showcasing local art, gardens, tourist attractions and our towns.

For more information the Gnowangerup Shire website is located at www.gnowangerup.wa.gov.au.

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