[2]: 1 The area around Clackline Brook was where a number of Aboriginal families lived, with their territories defined by the surrounding waterways.
[2]: 1 European exploration of the Avon region began in 1830, with an expedition inland from Guildford led by Ensign Dale.
Northam was gazetted in 1836, and over the next 50 years the surrounding region grew rapidly along with the agricultural industry – primarily wheat, sheep, and cattle farming.
Land usage along the waterways has not changed significantly, but there has been a trend towards subdivision into smaller lots for hobby farming.
A well that had been dug near Clackline Brook was abandoned due to high levels of lime and magnesia salts, and a dam in the brook near the Clackline railway station, meant to provide water for the locomotive engines, was also abandoned.