History

The south coast of Western Australia has a long history of human occupation with evidence of complex social structures. The Noongar people have lived in the south coast region for at least 40,000 years. The patterns of tribal occupation suggest that landforms formed the boundaries for different groups as well as being significant cultural icons. As the reserve is located on the interzone of two distinct landforms the area may have been part of the boundary system of two or more Aboriginal tribes.

After European contact the south coast was developed to support agriculture and grazing. However, the area has poor soils that are not able to support long-term agricultural pursuits. The region has been identified as an ecological ‘hotspot’ with a large number of endemic and threatened animals and plants. Other reserves have been created to protect the outstanding qualities of the area .