History
In the late 1850s farming leases were bought in the area after an overland route was established between Perth and Albany. The Cranbrook area developed into a productive wool and agricultural area.
In 1886 works began on a railway line to connect Perth to Albany. As the steam trains needed a regular water supply, the centre of the district was moved from Tenterden to Cranbrook for better access to a suitable dam catchment area.
The town was gazetted in 1899 and the name Cranbrook was given by JA Wright who was born in Cranbrook, England. He was the engineer in charge of the construction of the railway line.
The town soon flourished with the completion of the railway line and Cranbrook became the central loading point for wool, sheep, sandalwood and grain. By the 1900s sandalwood and mallee bark were productive industries.
Cranbrook Attractions
Sukey Hill Lookout
Located 5km east of the townsite, off Salt River Road, the lookout provides advantageous views to the salt lakes to the north and east, farmlands to the west and panoramic view of the Stirling Range to the south. The area is abundant in wildflowers in spring.
Bob’s Lake Bird Hide
A rich and diverse range of avian species can be found here, with 160 species having been recorded at the lake so far. It is regarded as one of the most avian rich wetland systems on private lands in south-western Australia. Access from Brickhouse Road northeast of Cranbrook off the Great Southern Highway.
For more information
Gillamii Centre
(08) 9826 1234
Cranbrook Museum
This was the first brick house built in the town, it is the oldest brick house standing in Cranbrook and served as the stationmaster’s house. It was built soon after the completion of the railway line in 1889.
Located in Gathorne Street it is open by appointment only by contacting Bernie Climie on 0407 261 123.
Stirling Range National Park
Cranbrook is the “Gateway to the Stirling Range National Park.” Much of the National Park is located within the boundary of the Cranbrook Shire. Many walk tracks exist throughout the park which gives visitors a close view of the abundant and diverseflora and fauna. In 2009, the area was National Heritage Listed as one of the top 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
Wildflower Walk
On Salt River Road, 300m past the “Gateway to the Stirlings” sign, there is a picnic and parking area on the left. The circuit walk is 1.7km long and is fully signposted indicating the flora and fauna to be found in the area. It has impressive native flora including a number of spectacular orchids. It is best in spring.
Accommodation
RV Parking Area
Fee payable to the Shire
9826 1008
Cranbrook Caravan Park
0429 942 825
Cranbrook Hotel
9826 1002
Cranbrook Rail Carriage
0427 261 090
CBH Accommodation Units
0429 942 825
Food
Cranbrook Hotel
9826 1002
Cranbrook Sporting Club
9826 1004
Cranbrook Supermarket
9826 1026
Nanna Vicks
0408 220 458
Visitor Information
Shire of Cranbrook
19 Gathorne Street
(08) 9826 1008
www.cranbrook.wa.gov.au
24hr fuel located on Hordacre Way
0427 512 322
