The first occupiers of the area were the Ngarkat tribe, whose lands roughly extended north beyond Copeville, south towards Coonalpyn, east to near the border and west to a few miles from the river. By the mid-1800s, disease and wars with neighbouring tribes led to the disappearance of survivung Ngarkat tribes.
In 1859, the land was taken up for sheep grazing on large pastoral leases, when Chucka Bend (Bowhill) Station included where Karoonda stands today. These leases failed and were abandoned by 1900.
The district was officially established in 1911, with its economy based on dry land agriculture, focusing on traditional broad acre grain and wool. The district was unique in that the railways were established before close settlement began. Karoonda became a very important rail town, a hub serving sidings and towns in four directions at approximately 8km intervals. There were coaling and watering facilities and workshops and a barn for railcars stationed here.
With the introduction of the railways, settlers began taking up selections, clearing the dense scrub with horse drawn rollers. By 1930 about half the arable land was cleared.
Today’s farming practices have seen significant change from the traditional practices of generations past. More sustainable practices have resulted in increased land productivity whilst protecting and enhancing our fragile natural environment.
