Bridgetown, Western Australia

Bridgetown is a historic town in the South West region of Western Australia. It is famous for its picturesque setting on the Blackwood River and its old-world country charm.

 History 
European settlement began in the late 1850s, after a survey of the area was done by A.C. Gregory. Convicts built the main road into the area from Donnybrook starting in 1861. The town was named "Bridgetown" because it was located at a bridge over the Blackwood River and after the ship Bridgetown, which was the first to take wool from the district at Bunbury.

The area was an early centre for sheep, cattle, and fruit growing (especially apples). The railway arrived in 1898, helping both the agriculture and the timber industries.

 Tourism 
"Winter Capital of Western Australia": The town is often called "Fridgetown" in winter. It holds an annual Bridgetown in the Winter Festival (or "Fridgetown Fest") with many events, which brings in tourists.

Festivals:
Blues at Bridgetown: A famous annual music festival held in November.
Festival of Country Gardens: Held in Autumn and Spring.

Heritage Buildings: The main street has many restored buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can learn about the history on the Bridgetown Heritage Walk.
Bridgedale House (c. 1862) is one of the oldest buildings in the town.
The Police Station Museum (1880) is another popular heritage site.
The Cidery: The region's history with apple-growing has led to a popular local cidery and brewery.
Brierley Jigsaw Gallery: The town is home to this unique gallery, which claims to have the only public jigsaw collection of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.