John Forrest National Park

We are back in the office after the holiday break and have been looking through our collection for up-and-coming anniversaries. One such date popped up, which was John Forrest National Park.

The State Gardens Board decided to build a stopping place for the train passing through the park in 1936, ninety years ago, for the “hordes of visitors who arrived at the weekends with their picnic baskets". The most able would run to grab the popular shelters.

MHHS have a lot of photographs of the park and visitors in early years, and it is good to compare what went on in the early years with what the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is doing this year. According to their website, 2026 is when the new café and hub will be built. A new carpark has been built, and a new bridge is currently being constructed. Check out their website. https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.../john-forrest-national-park...

Meanwhile check out our photographs and if you know of any significant anniversaries taking place in the Shire please come into the office and let us know or get in touch via our website.

Click/touch image to read captions.

The National Park Railway Station built in 1936. Still in use until 1966.

View of swimming pool and weir with railway line in the background 1940s.

Another view of the swimming pool at John Forrest National Park.

A boy with 3 white swans 1933.

Another view of the swimming pool with swans, with a picnic shelter in the background.

A group from Mission to Seafarers, in front of the church, built by the sustenance men. 1930s.

First tea rooms 1932. LtoR Patricia De Atta, Grace Chamberlain, Atlee De Atta 1932.