The Shire of Gnowangerup is situated in the Great Southern area, approximately 354 kilometres from Perth and 140 kilometres from Albany via the Chester Pass Road. It covers an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometres and is a prosperous grain growing and sheep producing area. The area is noted Australia wide for its merino sheep and attracts large crowds to the annual Stud Field Days. The three towns- Borden, Gnowangerup, and Ongerup- in the Shire of Gnowangerup, services the local community and a growing tourism node at the edge of the Stirling Range National Park.