The first people known to have inhabited the area were the Bindjareb people of the Bibbulmun Nation. It was  then known as Mandjoogoordap, which translates as ‘meeting place of the heart’. After European settlement the name was adapted to Mandurah.
In 1828 ‘Swan River Mania’ inspired Englishman Thomas Peel to bring a number of workmen, equipment and stores to Western Australia in exchange for a grant of land. The contract stipulated that Peel must arrive in the colony by 1 November 1829, however the ship Gilmore carrying Peel and his followers did not arrive until mid-December and Peel’s original land grant was forfeited. He did however continue with his settlement and build the starting infrastructure to the area.