Karnup between wetlands, history and wine

Karnup can be explored through several distinct themes: the Paganoni Swamp wetland and its wildlife, a nature trail on the site of the old townsite, and the wine offerings at Peel Estate. This brings the landscape, local history and wine tastings together as different priorities for planning your trip. When looking for accommodation, first consider which of these interests will shape your stay.

Wetland and wildlife in Karnup

Paganoni Swamp is a wetland in the Conservation Category Wetland protection category and the largest wetland in the Stake Hill wetland chain. It is home to, among others, southern brown bandicoots, quendas and brush-tailed phascogales. These three named mammals give the nature theme a distinct focus, while the protection category provides context for the landscape. Nature enthusiasts will find both a specific classification of the wetland and a selection of its wildlife here.

At Paganoni Swamp, you can walk along informal paths and firebreaks around the wetland. The small car park and access gate are on the southern side of Paganoni Road, where the powerline easement through the park meets the road. This identifies both the walking opportunities around the wetland and a specific landmark for finding your way on arrival.

Trails, plants and local history

The Don Shepherd Nature Reserve Trail offers another nature experience. It follows a crushed limestone or mulch path for about 575 metres to Lugg Road. Jarrah, banksia species and marri grow along the trail; the understorey includes flowering shrubs, orchids and other wildflowers. Its approximate length and named endpoint provide a useful measure for planning, while the diverse vegetation gives the landscape its own distinctive character.

The Don Shepherd Nature Reserve Trail is on the site of the old Karnup townsite. The townsite was settled as part of the Soldier Settlement and Group Settlement schemes of the 1920s. The nature trail and settlement history come together at the same historic site: the trail runs through the old townsite, whose history goes back to the settlement schemes of the 1920s.

Wine tastings and market dates

Peel Estate offers a different focus. Peel Estate Wines was established in 1979; wine tastings are available daily at the Peel Estate Cellar Door from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. The Local Farmers Market at Peel Estate Wines is held on the second Sunday of every month from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tastings are therefore offered daily, while the market takes place on a specific Sunday each month. If you’re planning a visit, check the relevant date in advance so you can take the different timeframes into account.

The broader setting of the City of Rockingham

In the broader destination of the City of Rockingham, the focus shifts to the coast: Rockingham has a 37-kilometre coastline. The protected Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is home to dolphins, seals, penguins and pelicans. Another water-based activity is the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Paddle, an eight-kilometre kayaking trail along the Rockingham coast. These regional coastal and water experiences complement Karnup’s themes; Paganoni Swamp, the Don Shepherd Nature Reserve Trail, the old townsite and Peel Estate form the local focus.

If you’d also like to consider the coastal and water experiences in the City of Rockingham, include them as a separate regional focus in your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Osborne Park, Carabooda, Cervantes, Bibra Lake, Kinross, Karijini, Lancelin, Kalgoorlie-Boulder

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.