The Shire of Nannup was founded in 1834. It covers an area of 2,953 square km and embraces the town and localities of Nannup, Donnelly River, Bidelia, Carlotta, Cundinup, Scott River, Lake Jasper, Darradup and Barrabup.

In general the population of 1211 (2001 census) is spread throughout the Shire district with about half of the population residing in the Nannup townsite. The word “Nannup” comes from the Noongar people and interprets as “stopping place”. The Shire of Nannup is bounded by the Shires of Augusta-Margaret River to the west, Manjimup to the south-east, Bridgetown-Greenbushes to the north-east, Donnybrook-Balingup to the north and Busselton to the north-west. The Southern Ocean defines the southern boundary.

The Shire of Nannup is the second largest Shire in the South West Region with 149 kilometres of sealed and 387 kilometres of unsealed roads.

Situated 288km from Perth, the town of Nannup (originally Nannup Brook) is the only town within the Shire and was gazetted on 9 January 1890 with timber and dairying being its major industries. The land around Nannup was originally known as the Lower Blackwood, which was administered by the Lower Blackwood Roads Board followed by the Nannup Roads Board in August 1925. The Nannup Shire Council was formed in 1961. The Shire of Nannup is serviced by the Brockman and Vasse Highways which intersect at the townsite.

Eighty-five percent of the Shire is under forest, however the rich soils, high rainfall and an excellent climate also provides ideal conditions for a wide range of agricultural activities, including dairying, beef cattle, horticulture, aquaculture, agroforestry, viticulture and hobby farming. The town is serviced well and is blessed with a number of nature and recreational reserves, and public buildings. Environment and heritage issues play a large part in the community’s culture.

Little secondary industries exist and while there is kindergarten to Year 10 schooling available, lack of work opportunities is impacting on the Shire’s population and future development.

The Shire has a climate that is best described as Mediterranean, characterised by hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. There is a reasonably high rainfall averaging between 900 mm and 1000 mm, which peaks in June and July.

While a train line no longer exists, 31 March 1909 saw the construction of a railway from Jarrahwood to Nannup which then linked to the South Western Railway.

Tourism plays a large role in the life of the community which in its marketing approach describes the Shire of Nannup as The Garden Village.