Capel offers several distinct reasons to stay: you can fish in the Capel River, which is also a place of historical and mythological significance to the Noongar people. There is also a named trail, a walking path with a troll hunt, murals on the main street and the story of a remarkable bridge. In Capel, the focus is therefore on both specific activities and cultural and built heritage. When choosing a destination, you can consider whether you are more interested in riverside activities, walking trails, or cultural and architectural history.

Walking Trails and Activities by the River

The Tuart Discovery Trail is on Higgins Road, off Stirling Street in Capel. Near the historic Capel Tavern, a walking path invites you to look for the troll under the bridge. If you are choosing between these two walking options, different criteria come to the fore: for the trail, it is its named location on the road; for the path near the tavern, it is the search theme.

You can fish in the Capel River. This offers a different focus from the walking paths: here, the emphasis is on fishing in the river, while those offer a roadside location or a troll hunt.

Capel's Cultural and Historical Heritage

The Capel River is a place of historical and mythological significance to the Noongar people. Associated with it is 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 spans the journey from the hills to the sea and encompasses several kinds of waterways. The same river is therefore both a place for an activity and the setting for a cultural story.

The murals on Capel's main street depict local history, flora, fauna and the six Noongar seasons. They highlight different aspects from the Waugal story: alongside local history, they bring nature and the connection to the seasons to the fore. The six seasons offer a different sense of time from individual historical dates, such as when the town was renamed or the years the bridge was built.

Capel was initially known as Coolingup and was renamed Capel in 1899. The town's name marks a clearly dated change, while the bridge's story unfolds through its construction and subsequent rebuilds.

Convicts built Capel River Road Bridge in 1872; it was rebuilt in 1913 and 1948. The sequence of years distinguishes the original construction from the two later rebuilds. At the time of its 1948 reconstruction, it was the only curved timber bridge in the southern hemisphere. The bridge was built on two levels.

Practical Travel Information

Capel has a dump point and a 24-hour rest area for motorhome travellers and travellers who camp for free. Both are practical municipal facilities for visitors travelling this way. Check the operating status of the dump point and rest area before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Newman, North Beach, Broadwater, Eastbrook, Nannup, Bellevue, Kalbarri, Murdoch

For the overarching travel guide: Western Australia.