Benger is difficult to define in area as a locality, but for the purposes of this history, it includes the area known in the early days of the Colony as the flats of Mornington, which is now called Benger Swamp, and the area north to a point halfway to Wokalup, and south to a point near White Rocks, the area west of this to the Wellesley River, and east to, but not including, Mornington Hills. Benger township is 170 kms from Perth on the South West Highway, midway between Harvey and Brunswick Junction, and is 35 kms from the regional centre of Bunbury. Prior to 1902 Benger Siding was known as Mornington and the Benger Swamp as the Flats of Mornington. Mornington Creek still flows through Benger near the School.
Before European settlement the area of Western Australia, that includes Benger, was inhabited by the Aboriginal tribe called the "Pindjarup". It is difficult to be certain of the meaning of the word Benger, and it has been said that "Benger" is Aboriginal for swamp. "Pijar" is also a name for swamp in the local Aboriginal language. In the winter of 1835, the explorers Peel and Henty travelled through the Benger district. Although difficult to prove, it is speculated they explored the area near the Old Williamsburg Road, (now known as Sandalwood Road). 
Mornington Siding, now Benger, was built to the south of the crossing of the Mornington Creek and became the focal point for the development of the Hall, School and Shop/Post Office (Shire of Harvey 1985-1995 Proud to be 100, Page 51)In April 1837, Governor Stirling himself sighted the Benger Swamp while travelling along the base of the hills. Years later bullock teams carried sandalwood, until it was cut out and other timber to the Bunbury port along the Williamsburg Road. (Shire of Harvey 1895-1995: Proud to be 100 p.45)
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