Jandakot and Surrounds

Local History of Jandakot and Surrounds

Jandakot is a suburb located 19 km south of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The suburb takes its name from Lake Jandakot, which means "the meeting place of the ducks" in the Indigenous Noongar language. The lake is a significant site for the Noongar people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers.

European settlement in the Jandakot area began in the 1830s, when the British established the Swan River Colony. The area was initially used for farming and agricultural purposes, with several homesteads and farms established in the region. One of the earliest homesteads was Woodman Point, which was built in 1860 as a residence for the district's superintendent of police.

Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Jandakot remained a relatively sparsely populated area, with most of its residents engaged in farming or related industries. In the early 1900s, efforts were made to improve the land through irrigation and other forms of land management, leading to increased agricultural production in the area.

During World War II, Jandakot Airport was established as a training base for Royal Australian Air Force pilots. The airport played a key role in the Allied war effort, and remained an important military facility throughout the Cold War. In the late 1980s, the airport was opened to civilian air traffic and it has since become a significant hub for domestic and international flights.

In recent years, Jandakot and the surrounding areas have experienced rapid growth, with the establishment of new residential and commercial developments. Despite this growth, the area retains a strong sense of its history and heritage, with several heritage-listed buildings and other landmarks throughout the region.

Today, Jandakot and Surrounds offer visitors a fascinating insight into Western Australia's rich history, from the ancient culture of the Noongar people to the pioneering spirit of the early European settlers and the legacy of the area's military history. Whether you're interested in exploring the natural beauty of Lake Jandakot, learning about the area's farming heritage, or simply enjoying the many attractions of this vibrant and diverse community, Jandakot and Surrounds have something to offer everyone.