Bridgetown, Western Australia
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Bridgetown Western Australia |
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The main street of Bridgetown (South Western Highway)
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 Bridgetown
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| Coordinates | 33°57′29″S 116°08′28″E / 33.958°S 116.141°ECoordinates: 33°57′29″S 116°08′28″E / 33.958°S 116.141°E |
| Population | 2,324 (2006 census) |
| Established | 1868 |
| Postcode(s) | 6255 |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes |
| State electorate(s) | Blackwood-Stirling |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Bridgetown is a town in the South West region of Western Australia, approximately 270 kilometres (168 mi) south of Perth on the Blackwood River at the intersection of South Western Highway with Brockman Highway to Nannup and Augusta.
The area was previously known as Geegelup, which was believed to mean "place of gilgies" in the Noongar Aboriginal language, referring to the fresh water crustaceans that live in the area. However, recently discovered research made available through the Bridgetown Tourist Centre suggests the actual meaning of Geegelup may be "place of spears".
In 1857, Edward Godfrey Hester (now honoured in nearby Hester) and John Blechynden settled in the area. In 1861, convicts built the road from Donnybrook into the area.
Bridgetown's name was first proposed by surveyor Thomas Carey in 1868, for two reasons - "as it is at a bridge and the Bridgetown was the first ship to put in at Bunbury for the wool from these districts", and was approved and gazetted on 9 June 1868.
From then until about 1885, many buildings including the primary school (1870), post office and two hotels were constructed, many of which are still standing today. In 1885, the Bridgetown Agricultural Society was formed and local farmers produced sheep, cattle, dairy products, timber, fruit and nuts. The gold rush from 1892 onwards brought prosperity to the town and saw a considerable increase in settlement. In 1907, a number of significant buildings including the police station were erected.
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