History

The name Yokine was derived from the Aboriginal word meaning 'native dog'. The name was chosen because the area is close to Dog Swamp. Yokine was originally part of the grant given to T. R. C. Walters in 1840, however little development occurred in the early stages. Western Australian Golf Limited were the owners of Yokine from at least 1927, and the group subdivided a small portion of land near the golf course.

Prior to World War II the only house in the area was at the eastern end of Royal Street. A housing boom began in Yokine after the war and much of the area around the golf course was developed by the early 1950s. The southern section experienced rapid growth in the 1960s and by the late 1970s Yokine was almost completely developed.

Significant landmarks

Dog Swamp Shopping Centre is one of Yokine's major landmarks. This commercial and retail centre was established in 1967 and provides a vital service to the local community. The Dog Swamp and Flinders Square shopping centres combine to form a major retail focus in the south of Yokine. These centres provide for local shopping needs and contain a range of specialty stores.

The Western Australian Golf Club is also a well-known Yokine landmark. The course is located on the north-eastern boundary of Yokine and was developed in the 1920s. The park setting creates a prestige course, as well as providing a focus for residential development.

Yokine Hill, also known as Mount Yokine, was originally used as a survey point and is a significant landscape feature.

Residential and community development

Residential development in Yokine has generally taken the form of single detached dwellings, particularly in the western and central portions. The style of buildings varies considerably, ranging from brick developments from the 1940s to timber-framed houses, International style homes and modern constructions. More recently there have been many duplex and unit developments dispersed throughout the suburb, and the existence of large lots around Spencer Avenue and Shakespeare Avenue will encourage further such developments.

Many parks are situated within Yokine, the largest being Yokine Reserve. The various reserves incorporate facilities including lawn bowling greens, sports ovals, tennis courts and a community recreation centre. Yokine also contains a major golf course, which caters for local residents and the wider community. The suburb also hosts a home for senior residents, two schools and a senior campus.

Source - City of Stirling Website