Capel
A Hidden Gem on the Coolingup River
Nestled along the banks of the Capel River, known to the Noongar people as Coolingup—the "place of children, koolanga"— Capel is a charming country town that blends history, nature, and modern convenience.
Originally built on dairy farming and later boosted by the introduction of mineral sands mining in 1956, today Capel is a vibrant community offering a relaxed lifestyle with a strong connection to the surrounding forests and pristine coastline.
Capel River is recorded as a place of historical and mythological significance to Noongar people who regard the river as a historical meeting place, a cultural boundary, and a natural resource for hunting and gathering. The river is associated with the Waugal, a mythical rainbow serpent that created the rivers, waterways and lakes on his journey from the hills to the ocean.
Visitors can explore the stunning Tuart Forest National Park, one of the last remaining tuart woodlands in the world, or enjoy a picnic in Erle Scott Reserve. Capel is also home to a local shopping precinct, friendly cafes, and community events that celebrate its rich agricultural heritage. Capel Regional Equestrian Park is a main drawcard for equestrian lovers from near and far.
Whether you're exploring the scenic walking trails or attending one of the town’s many markets, Capel is a warm and welcoming destination.
History & Heritage
Originally inhabited by the Wadandi Noongar people who associated Coolinbilya, Capel River, with the Waugal, a mythical rainbow serpent that created the rivers, waterways and lakes on his journey from the hills to the ocean.
Coolingup/Koolangup is the place of children. When they came of age, children would be led to the women’s lore grounds at Wonnerup on the coast, or into the hills to the men’s lore grounds. The river was a place to fish, hunt and camp. Noongar people used to camp on the farms they were labouring on and would use the river as a food gathering area, catching fish, marron, turtles, birds and eggs.
Frederick Ludlow is credited as being the first colonial settler to come across both Ludlow and Capel Rivers as he walked from Augusta to the Swan in 1834.
The Capel River was given its English name when the Bussell family settled in the area honouring Miss Capel Carter, John Garret Bussell’s cousin. Initially the town was known as Coolingup and the name Capel was adopted in 1899.
Activities & Attractions
Capel is a great place to live and to be based for local river walks or short drives to the tourist trails through the ancient Tuart forests, or along the long stretches of white coastal beaches.
Capel River Road Bridge was first constructed in 1872 by convicts, then rebuilt in 1913, and 1948 – and at that time it was the only timber constructed curved bridge in the southern hemisphere, built on two planes.
From the picturesque bridge to the Capel townsite a public art gallery connects community, culture and country. Wander the main street and view the murals depicting local history, flora, fauna and the Noongar Six Seasons.
Ironstone Gully Falls is located 17kms south-east of Capel, this historic picnic area was reserved in 1903 for use as a recreation area for the Capel River settlers. The site is famous for the rich red rock over which a small tributary from the Capel River meanders. An interpretative trail winds it way through the peaceful countryside in a circular route. In winter and early spring, the waterway can drop over a ledge of 9 metres and is complimented by an array of stunning wildflowers.
Heritage Sites of Interest
- Capel Cemetery & Site of First School
- Capel Primary School
- Capel Railway Bridge Capel River
- Capel River Bridge
- Capel RSL & War Memorial
- Capel Tavern
- Lexden Park
- Seventh Day Adventist Church
- Shire of Capel Administration Building
- Capel Community Centre & Iluka Capel Public Library including The Ron Maidment Archives
- St John’s Anglican Church
- St Joseph’s Catholic Church