Jarrahwood

The small town of Jarrahwood is located just off the Vasse Highway, about 20 kilometres north of Nannup and 35 kms south of Busselton. This is the former timber cutting and milling locality of the Jarrah Wood and Sawmills Company Limited, hence the town name. The townsite was gazetted in 1932 however by that time the timber industry had been in operation here for about 30 years. Felling and milling ceased in the 1980's. A very reduced township survives today

Jarrahwood - Old Vasse Highway

Some years ago the Vasse Highway ran right through Jarrahwood. Then the highway was re-aligned, by-passing the town. Here is the turn-off sign. Not very big and bold. So easy to miss. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW001

Jarrahwood - Old Vasse Highway

The lack of a lot of traffic along this road now is seeing the forests starting to encroach. The road swings around to the right. The townsite is about one kilometre or less away. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW002

Jarrahwood - Community Centre

The Community Centre with its forest backdrop. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW003

Jarrahwood - Community Centre

A close-up of the Community Centre. It looks smart and well-kept. This building is obviously made of jarrah and would have been a worker's cottage back when the felling and milling was operating. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW004

Jarrahwood - Memorabilia Centre

Those who were left in town post milling closure have gone to a lot of trouble to erect this history display which includes many photos and press cuttings relating to the town. A really good job. The smell of the lemon-scented gums close-by was over-powering. Green parrots foraged and squabbled. Kangaroo droppings are everywhere. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW005

Jarrahwood - Memorabilia Centre

This is all the stuff piled on the rail wagon in the Memorabilia Centre. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW006

Jarrahwood - Timber Cottage

This old miller's cottage does not look particularly occupied. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW007

Jarrahwood - Timber Cottage

Another miller's cottage looks quite smart and well-kept. New fireplace. New roof. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW008

Jarrahwood - Picnic Area

Close to the Memorabilia Centre is this picnic area. Foreground is an old or replica Millars sign. The township is still here, at least part of it, but the saw mill, timber supplies and post office have all gone. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW009

Jarrahwood - Water Supply

Probably a non-potable water supply here in case of emergency, especially fire. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW010

Jarrahwood - Cottage

Another smart cottage, this one quite close to the Community Centre. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW011

Jarrahwood - Cottage

A fairly tiny looking former timber worker's cottage in the centre of town. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW012

Jarrahwood - Mundi Biddi Track - Nala Mia Shelter

Jarrahwood is on the Mundi Biddi Cycle trail. This is the Nala Mia shelter for cyclists to clean-up, eat and camp overnight before setting out on the next leg of their journey. This campsite was erected by the DEC and the Department of Corrective Services Bunbury Prison Crew. The sign doesn't say which year though. Nevertheless, a job well done! December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW013

Jarrahwood - Railway

Timber was carted out of Jarrahwood by private company rail to Busselton from 1898. The line was bought by the Government in 1907 and in 1909 it was extended south to Nannup. Sidings between Jarrahwood and Nannup were Cambray, Dellerton and Bibilup. The line was closed in 1984 and later the track was lifted. All that is left here in Jarrahwood is this row of sleepers and memories. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW014

Jarrahwood - Workshop

This rather curious looking place is set across the old railway reserve from the rest of town. It is obviously of more recent construction than all the jarrah cottages. There is some junk in the surrounds, plus an old burger caravan in the grounds. Close by are a whole lot of bee hives. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW015

Jarrahwood - Cottage

The cottage on the right looks in need of repair. With some irony, getting new jarrah building supports or wall slatting is probably now prohibitively expensive for anyone here needing them. Years ago they would have been free, or at least provided by the company. There are no businesses or shops in town anymore. Nor is there a school. If the materials and expertise don't readily exist here then they have to be brought in. Shopping is probably done in Nannup, about 20 kms away. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW016

Jarrahwood - Old Cars

The bush fire brigade shed. A few old abandoned car bodies lie around. This happens quite frequently (abandoned cars) in some country towns, especially those whose fortunes are on the wane. I was in town for over one hour today, walking around all over the place, late morning, and I did not see or hear any evidence of human presence. Not a single person seen nor human sound heard. Strange. December 2016. Photos Ref: JRRW017

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