History:
Manjimup’s first settler, Thomas Muir, took up land near the present town site in 1856. Early Swan River settlers used jarrah for building and were so impressed with the quality of Manjimup’s wood they called it ‘Swan River mahogany’. It wasn’t until the 1860s that the Aboriginal name for the wood came into usage.
The name Manjimup is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘manjin’ - an edible reed found in the area and ‘up’ meaning place of.
General:
At both entrances to the town, impressive timber arches span the road bearing the town name. These symbolise that Manjimup is the gateway to the magnificent southern forests. This modern, progressive town is also the commercial centre and largest town in the Warren Blackwood district.
Agriculture, viticulture, aquaculture and horticulture feature prominently on the landscape. Soils are tilled to produce a wide variety of delicious fruits, nuts and vegetables. Cattle and sheep graze contentedly in rolling paddocks, and lakes and streams provide homes for marron and trout.
Vineyards spread across the land and cellar door sales offer award-winning wines to tempt the palate. Timber is synonymous with Manjimup. Its effect on the area is recorded with pride at various locations such as the Timber Park and Museum Complex, the King Jarrah, One Tree Bridge and the historic mill precincts of Deanmill, Quinninup, Nyamup and Donnelly River.
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