
TERRITORIAL OIVI8IONS._Only mthm tie settled portioi
Western Australia lias subdivision into counties been camec
Divisional boundaries have been defined in the south-western pari
of tlip colony, extending fi^om Cervantes Island on the western
seaboard to Doubtful Island Bar iji the soutli, and inland to the
llOfcL meridian. There nre also di^sions for police, educati
and electoral pnrposes, but these are of little importance geogi
aphioally. The following are the counties of Western Aiistrali
so far as they have been defined
1. Beaufort.
2. Carnarvon.
3. Durham.
4. Glenelg.
5. Goderich.
li. Gi-antham.
7. Grey.
8. Hay.
9. Howick.
10. Kent.
11. Lanark.
12. Lansdowiie.
18. Melbourne.
14., Minto.
15. Murray,
16. Nelson.
17. Peel.
18. Perth.
19. Plaut-iigenet.
20. Stirling,
21. Sussex.
22. Twiss.
23. Victoria.
24. Wellington.
25. Wioklow.
26. York.
Sraii/ori,—Beaufort forms one of the eastern divisions of the
f e t t l ed part of Western Australia, and inolndes within its bouBduri.
Mounts Arrowsmith, Walker, and Cramphonie, and the Glenelg an
Chingah HilU. No streams of any importance have their course
through it.
CarHarroii.—East of the County of Grey, and north of Lansdowni
Lakes Brown and Deljorali are situated within it; the Twins
Mountains form the fall to the former, and the Hio^hclere Hills that
to the latter.
I>,.rAnm.-Sonth of the County of Grey, and forming the northern
boundary of the County of Howick. Mount Grey and the Twi
Mountains partly define the eastern boundary, and Moi
is located at the most south-westerly point. Lake
occupies a position near the north-weat comer.
GUsnel.g.—One of the northern divisioi
Grey on its eastern side, and Melbonme
River takes its rise in a low range withii
are situated near the centre of the county.
Goderich.—I'he Frankland River with
it St. Aane
Cowcowing
• It has the County of
1 the west. The Moore
it. The Wongan Hills
s tributary the Gordon,
and the Balgarap Eiver, drain the greater portion'of this
Lake Muir is siluatod in the sonth-westorn part of i
bonnded on the south by the County of Stirling, and
Lanark and Nelson.
Goderich is
vest by
Lying to the east of the County of Murray, with the
Counties of York and Wicklow on the north and south" sides
respectively. The Cai-narvou and Montague Hills are situated near
the south-east corner; the River Hotham takes its rise here.
Grey.—North of the County of Durham, and forming one of the
nortliern di^ions. It has a portion of Lake Cowcowing within
its boundaries. Mount Grey marks its most soutli-ea^fcerly point.
Hay.—Oil the north side of the County of Plantagenefc. The
"tirling Range defines the greater part of the southern boundary.
r form the s The hills 01 northern fronti< ources of the Pallinup
and Beaufort Rivers, and >n the inland slope of the Stirling Range
rises the Gonlon River.
H o a ^ k k - S i t M on the east side of the County of York, and
^ u t h of Durham. Mounts Stirling and Caroline, and the Cubbine
Hil s, rise near the middle of this division, and Mount Bebb, and the
Althoip and County Peaks, in the south. Prom the last-named
issues a tributai-y of the Avon River.
fib«/.—Bordering on the south coast, being the most southeasterly
of the defined divisions. The Pallinup and Gaii-dner Ri^-ora
flo.v through it. This county embraces a strip of coast territo^,
extending fi-om Doubtful Island Bay, west to Port Two People
i ' " " f f c , - L a n a r k forms portion of the south coast. The Donnelly
Wan^en, and Gardner Rivers, and Ply Brook, have their courses within
Point D'Enti-ecasteaus is a pi'ominent feature on its coast line.
istoi-n dii'isions. It has the Counties
•n the north and south respectively,
•ne HOI are the principal elevations
Lanailowiic.—One of th_
of Carnarvon and Beaufort
Mount Hampton and Lansdc
on its surface.
Mi'lhmme.—On I t forms the most north-westerly
- u u n-M the County of Glenelg to the east, and Twiss to the
The Moore River traverse,? a considerable portion of its
, entering near the north-eastern comer, and taking a
southerly course towards the southern boundary.
i/;«i<..-Mint o lies immediately south of the County of Howick
and « bounded on the west by Grantham. A low range marks it^
eastern limits.
jlfurrnji.—MuiTay includes part of the west coast south of the
•unty of Perth. The Darliug Range traverses it in a north and
ith direction. Peel's Inlet, wl.ich receives the watera of the
Murray, Harvey, and Serpentine Rive.^, causes an extensive break
in Its coast hue.
Nekon.-O:, the south side of fcho County of Wellington, Sussex
ind Lanark bemg on the west and south respectively. This division
:ncludes part of the valley of the Blackwood River.
PeeL-Pee\ lies to-the north of the Countj- of Hay, and east
)f Wickiow. The Hampstead Hills, and Mounts Latham and Rice
•ise near the west side, while to the south are the Haymaker Dowus
The central portion is known as the Peel Plains.
P . r M . - N o r t h of the County of Murray, and forming portion of
the west coast. The Darling Range rises towat^s the east side of
the county, and foi-ras a slope, from which the Swan River, and its
numerous tributaries receive a portion of their supply. The citv of
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is situated within" it
Settlement has extended from Perth tln-onghout the county which
^^^ includes a considerable proportion of tlie total population of the
(¿aycnei—Plantagenet is situated on the south coast havine
the County of Kent on its eastern side, and Stirling on the west
The Stirling Range forms the northern boundary. On its sontliern
slope rises the Kaigan River, which takes a southerly course alonir
the eastei-n side of the county. The Hay River has its source near
Mount Barker, and waters the western portion. King George's
Sound, an important indentation on its seaboard, forms at its head
le of the finest harbours in Australia. Situated on the shore of
lis inlet is Albany, the capital of the county.
SI Mi,.g.-Oii the south coast, east of the County of Plantiigenet
ul south of Goderich. It includes the lower portion of the vallev
of the Frankland River, its eastern limits being partly defined by
Bennett's Range.
This county has a prominent position on the south-west
coast, and includes the territory bounded on the north by Geographe
Bay, and ou the soutli, by Flinders Bay. The Blackwood River a>id
I'eral small streams water its surface.
its Burfac
tuated on the west coast,
ml north of Perth, The lower course of the
its western side. The township of Gingin occupies a
• the middle of it, on the Gingin Brook, a tributary of
— • Buuth of the county of
Melbourne, •
Ri
position
the Mooi
W E S T E R N AUSTRALIA.
Hcfoi-ia.—Situated north of the County of York, aud soutli of
Glenelg. 'llie Mortlock River and the Toodyay Brook, tributaries
of the Swan River, take their rise within it. Toodyay and
Bejoording, on the Toodyay Brook, are the principal settlements in
this divisi(m.
TF<'?/i<i!//-.«.—On the west coast, south of the County of Murray,
and north of Nelson. The rivers Collie, Preston, Bniiiswick, and
'V\'ellesloy have the greater part of their courses within it. Mount
Keats, oue of the principal elevations in the Darling Range, is
situated" near the northern frontier, and Mount Lennard, the
culminating poiut of the Roc Range, is in the middle of the county.
The Roe Range ci-osses this division in a north and south direction.
m'c/iioic.—Wioklow lies to the east of the County of Wellington,
and south of Grantham. Tlie Blackwood Eiver, with its tributaries,
the Balgavup, Beaufort, Arthur, Tarn, and Hillmnn, flows through it,
and the main i-oad from Perth to Albany crosses it in a north and
south direction.
Fiwt.—Situated to the east of the Couuty of Perth, and north of
Gi'anthara. It iacludes portions of the valleys of the Avon, Dale,
Tnlbot, Mackie, Salt, Helena, and Mortlock Rivers, and is the scene
of a considerable amount of settlement.
TOWNS-—Compared with the colonies of the east const, Western
Australia contains but few settlements which can bo recognised as
population-centres. The more important are found >vithiu the
settled area extending inland fi'om the soutliera portion of the west
coast, and the westei-n part of the south coast. The principal
elements in detei-mining this point have been the greater facilities
for settlement found here, suitability of the soil for pastoral and
agricultural pui-poses, and the superior character of the climate,
very great deal in connection with the resources of this col
remains yet unknown, and will continue so until a population n
nearly commensurate with its vast area becomes .settled upon
lands. Tliere is eveiy reason to believe that Western Australia
includes within it, elements which only require discovery and
development to ensure for it prosperity and progress equal to that
of any other portion of the continent. Within recent years there is
an evident determination on the part of its people to push forward,
and surpass if possible, the achievements and enterprise wliich have
hitherto marked the course of Australian colonization, and have
obtained for it a name among nations.
The following table shows th
Australia, and their populations :—
Albftiiy
icipal towi
Kcwoaatlc ...
KcM- Korein ...
Nortünm „
Australia. It has a
iles, and forms an im;
the
if about miles and a width of
colonies touching at Melboi
I for the mail steamer» of
and passing through the
by telegi-aph from
iFi.(>or swn„ I! [I '.;'. ".;: ;;; ;;;
York 75-
Voiindegin [[I ^
A L B A N T . — S e t t l e m e n t was fii-st attempted on the shores of
King George's Sound, in the year 1826. At this point in the history
of Australian colonization, it was deemed necessary to take possession
of territoiy on tho south-west coast, in order to prevent occupation
by a foreign power. A detachment of the 39th Regiment was
despatohod fi-oiu Sydney, under Major Lockyer, and a small penal
station was formed. Qpou the formation of a colony, subsequently,
on the west coast, its connection with New South Wales ceased.
The towu of Albany is pleasantly situated on a slope on the northern
shore of Princess Royal Harbour, and is distant, in a direct line, about
240 miles south-east fi-om Perth, The port is formed by an arm of
King George's Sound, aud is said to be oue of the fiuest harbours
Suez Canal. Details of Englis
Albany, upon the arrival of the incoming moil, to the press of t
various colonies. A railway lino, on the land-grant system, hn.s l«!en
projected from Beverley, which will connect it with the metropolis,
and add to its imjjortance as a commercial centre. Comtuuuication
is maintained, at the present time, between the two town.'., by
mail coaches. Steamers also run to Fremantlc and other jiort« on
the coast. The country extending inland from this part of tlie south
coast is known as the Plant-agouet District, and is settled upon chiefly
for pastoral and gra'/ing purposes. There is some laud under
cultivation, but it is of inconsiderable extent. Gold has been found in
the neighbourhood, but the results obtained by diggers have not
hitherto been of an encouraging nature. The mean annual rainfall is
about 31 inches. Population, 1,024.
A • D G • a S T A . - ^ ^ i t n a t e d near the mouth of the Blackwood
River, on the western shore of Flinders Bay, about 50 miles south
from Busselton, aud 165 miles south fi'om Perth. Settlement
has arisen in connection with tho timber trade. Extensive forests of
jarrah aud other valuable trees are found on this part of the coast,
and large quantities of timber are cut for shipment to localities
less favoured. The harbour is safe and convenient for shipping.
A U S T B A L I I T D . — . A i i s t r n l i n d is pleasantly situated on the
eastern shore of Lescheuanlt Estuary, about 7 miles north-east from
Bunbm-y, and 90 miles south from Perth. It arose in connection
with the early settlements on the west coast, but has since declined
in importance. The sui-rounding country is known to be goldbeaiing.
B A N N I S T E R . - < i „ the Williams River, near the 33rd
parallel, and a little to the west of the 117th meridian. The main
road from Perth to Albany passes about 3 miles to the west. It
lies about 147 miles north-north-west from Albany, and 97 miles
soath-east from the metropolis. The district is a pastoral one.
B Z V E E . I , E Y . — O n the right bank of the Avon, a tributary of
the Swan River, about 18 miles south-east from York, and 63 miles
east, in a direct line, from Perth. Much of the land in tho
surrounding district is of a fertile character, and is occupied for
pastoral and agiHcultural puiposes. The I'ailway line fi'om the
metropolis to York is being extended to the township. A railway
has also been projected to connect it with Albany, on the south
coast. With the completiou of this undertaking, Beverley will
doubtless attain a position of considerable importance. The mean
annual rainfall is about 14 inches. Population, 56.
B R I D G E T O W N . — T h i s to^vnship is situated on the right
near the Whinstone Hills, about 53
and 140 miles south, in a direct line,
ntry in the vicinity is of a fertile
amount of settlement, chiefly for
place. Communication with the
Population, 101,
west coast, situated on
bank of the Blackwood River,
miles south-east from Bunbury.
from Perth. Much of the co
character, and a considerabli
pastoral purposes, has taken
metropolis is by >vay of Bunbury.
B U N B T r R T . — A seaport town
the south side of tho entrance to Leschenault Estuary, about 90
miles south fi'om Fremant l e by sea, aud Do miles south, in a direct
line, from Perth. Koombanah Bay, which forms the harbour, opens
out to the north, being sheltered on tho south-west by a reef. It is
for shipping. Bunbury is tho outlet for
jttled upon for agricultural and pastoral
ide timber, sandalwood, and farm produce
:eston, Ferguson, Collie, Brunswick, and
ean annual rainfall on this part of the
Population, 583.
« I t o n or Vasse is situated on the southern
ar the Vasse Estuary, about 25 miles east
miles south-west from Bunbuiy, and 115
from Perth, This township has arisen in
of Ew.alyplui
found a short
conimodi
irge extei lutry s
purposes. Its exports
from the valleys of the
Wellesley Rivers. The
coast is about 35 inches.
B U S S E L T O N . - H I
shore of Geogisphe Bay, i
from Cape Naturaliste, 3(
miles south, in a direct lin
connection with tho timber trade. Exten;
mar^inala, locally known as the jarrah tree.
iland, and the cutting and shipment of timber have I
11 considerable amount of settlement. English capital has been
invested in the enterprise, and tho Government has encouraged the
establishment of works by grants of land in proportion to certain
improvements carried out. There is communication with Fremantle
by steamer. Cultivation of the soil is attempted, but it is of a very
The mean annual rainfall is about 40 inches.
Population, 289.
C A R N A R V O N . — A seaport town on the northern part of the
west coast, situated at the mouth of the Gascoyne River, near the
entrance to Shark Bay. It lies about 275 miles north, in a straight