Capel: Noongar Culture, River and History

Capel can be explored from several perspectives: as a place with a Noongar cultural history, historic structures, and walking opportunities. For travel planning, the local council also offers services for motorhome travellers and free campers. The Capel River connects different interests: it is linked to a Noongar story and is also a fishing spot in Capel.

Walking trails and practical information

The Tuart Discovery Trail is on Higgins Road, off Stirling Street in Capel. A walking trail near the historic Capel Tavern invites you to search for the troll under the bridge. There is also an easy loop trail in the surrounding area, with eight information panels. The trail descriptions have different points of focus: the Tuart Discovery Trail is identified by name and location, the walk near the Tavern centres on the search for the troll, and the loop trail in the surrounding area is marked by its information panels. This lets you choose between a named trail, a playful search, and a walk with information panels when planning your visit.

Capel offers a dump point for motorhome travellers and free campers. There is also a 24-hour rest stop for these travellers. Check the operating status before you travel so you can include these local services in your plans.

The Capel River and Noongar culture

For the Noongar people, the Capel River is a place of historical and mythological significance. The river is associated with the Waugal, a mythical rainbow serpent. According to the story, as it travelled from the hills to the sea, it created rivers, waterways, and lakes. The story thus connects several types of water bodies with a journey from the hills to the sea. Fishing is possible on the Capel River in Capel; the river therefore has both cultural significance and a connection to a specific activity.

Murals along the main road depict local history, flora, fauna, and the six Noongar seasons. Their themes bring together local history and depictions of nature with a cultural perspective on time. Those who want to learn about Capel through its history and culture will find a different form of storytelling here than in the story about the river.

The town’s name and the history of the bridge

Capel was initially known as Coolingup and was given the name Capel in 1899. The Capel River Road Bridge was built by convicts in 1872; it was rebuilt in 1913 and 1948. The dates mark different phases: 1872 was the year it was built, while the later dates mark rebuilds. The history of the town’s name and the construction history of the bridge can therefore be viewed as separate historical timelines.

At the time it was rebuilt in 1948, the bridge was the only timber-built curved bridge in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built on two levels. Its uniqueness is explicitly tied to the time of the rebuild; the bridge’s historical distinction comes from its place in time and its unusual design.

Discover more destinations: Waggrakine, Schroeder, Forrestfield, Spalding, Bremer Bay, Quinninup, Kordabup, Northam

For the main travel overview: Western Australia.