The eastern wheatbelt - Australias Golden Outback

The eastern wheatbelt
western australia - a visitors’ guide
Beacon | Bencubbin | Bruce Rock | Corrigin | Dowerin | Hyden | Kellerberrin | Kondinin
Koorda | Kulin | Lake Grace | Merredin | Mukinbudin | Narembeen | Nungarin | Quairading
Southern Cross | Tammin | Trayning | Westonia | Wyalkatchem
www.wheatbelttourism.com
See where Transwa
can take you
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Transwa connects more than 275 destinations within Western Australia.
To see where Transwa can take you, and to find out more about the 50% discount fares for seniors,
WA concession card holders and students, visit Transwa.wa.gov.au or telephone 1300 662 205.
Alternatively contact your nearest Eastern Wheatbelt Transwa accredited booking agent, locations
and contact details for all agents can be found on the Transwa website in the bookings section. 1
Kirkalocka Station
Northampton
Mullewa
Pindar
Gwalia
Lake
Barlee
HOUTMAN
ABROLHOS
Lake
Ballard
GERALDTON
Mingenew
Paynes
es Find
FFi
Fin
Menzies
ghan
Ninghan
Station
Perenjori
Mongers
ngers
Lake
ake
Three Springs
Lake
Moore
Yarra
Yarra
Lakes
WHEATBELT
NORTH EAST
Wubin
allinu
Dalwallinu
Watheroo
Badgingarra
Jurien Bay
New
Norcia
York
Yorrk
Midland
25
50
75
MANDURAH
The Bre
Breakaways
eakaways
Karlgarin
Kondinin
Kulin
Yealering
Yeealering
Wickeppin
in
Wickepin
Harr
Har
Ha
rrirismi
ismiith
Harrismith
Williams
W ms Narrogin
Darkan
k
COLLIE
Duranillin
Duranni
Arthur
River
Widgiem
WHEATBELT CENTRAL
Rockk
Brucee Rock
Corrigin
ddanning
ningg
Quindanning
BUNBURY
Boorabbin
Boora
Nat. Park
Marvel
Marv
vell LLoch
och
Cuballing
a ling
all
INDIAN OCEAN
g and Old
Kids - Youn
y bales!
love the ha
South
So
uthern Cross
ut
Southern
Westonia
W
We
essttoonnia
Narembeen
Wandering
ering
riing
Pinjarra
Bullfinch
Kellerberrin
Kell
Ke
lller
erbe
berri
rrin
in
K
Kok
kerb
erbi
rbin
in R
ock
Kokerbin
Rock
Brookton
BBrookt
kttoonn
Pingelly
Pingel
g llyy
100
Scale in Kilometres
Tammin
Tammin
Tam
Quairading
QQuuuai
aira
ai
radi
d ng
Armadale
0
Mukinbudin
Koorda
Koorda
Cunndder
Cu
erdiinn
NORT
RTHAAM Cunderdin
NORTHAM
8
Koolyanobbing
KKo
ool
olya
lyano
nobbbbing
Ro
occkk
Elachbutting R
Rock
Bencubbin
u
Cadoux
Caaddooux
Meckering
M
Me
e errinn
eckering
yay
Toodyay
PERTH
BBallidu
du
opp
Trayning Kununoppin
Nunng
Nu
ngar
arin
in
Nungarin
Dowerin
Dowerinn
Do
Wyalkatchem
Wyyal
alka
lkkkaatctche
hem
hem
Goomalling
Goom
om
malling
m
lli
Merr
Me
rred
edin
Merredin
Lancelin
Sealed Major Road
Sealed Minor Road
Unsealed Road
Track
ie Rock
Roocck
Bonnie
Mollerin
l
Lake
Wongan
Hills
Moora
Beacon
Kalannie
Kalannie
Miling
Cervantes
Ni
Gormley Sculptures
Morawa
Dongara
Morapoi
Station
KKukerin
Ku
uke
k riin
ke
Du
ng
Dumbleyung
W
Wagin
Cape Naturaliste
Wave Rock
Hydenn
THE OPEN
WHEATBELT
FFra
Frank
rank
nk H
ann
Hann
Nat
t. P
ark
Nat.
Park
Lake
Lake
Lak
ke Grace
Gra
race
ce Newdegate
Pea
Nat.
Kinng
Lake King
Raav
e
Ravensthorpe
Nyabing
Kataann
Katanning
Gnowangerup
Jerramungup
Fitzgerald River
National Park
Munglinu
S
Na
welcome to the eastern Wheatbelt
Busselton
Nannup
Margaret
River
Ongerup
Augusta
Hopetoun
Bridgetown
Manjimup
Bremer Bay
Cape Riche
Mt. Barker
Pemberton
Cape Leeuwin
Denmark
Community members of the 19 Shires of the Eastern
Wheatbelt
Walpole
ALBANY
invite you to explore a wonderland of surprises within a 2 hour
drive from either Perth or Kalgoorlie. Discover vistas of open
SOUTHERN OCEAN
farmland, walk wildflower trails, climb magnificent granite rocks,
and enjoy delightful small country towns. Join the friendly
locals and experience their market days and unique events.
Be entertained at the many theatre settings and visit local
museums and galleries. Treat yourself - stay a while and wake
up to the magic of the Eastern Wheatbelt.
By Coach / Train:
Transwa operates coaches to many Eastern
Wheatbelt towns and the Prospector passenger
rail service between Perth and Kalgoorlie stops
in Tammin, Kellerberrin, Merredin and Southern
Cross.
Ring 1300 662 205 or www.transwa.wa.gov.au
for services available and bookings.
PERTH
BEACON
WYALKATCHEM
WESTONIA
TRAYNING
TAMMIN
SOUTHERN CR
QUAIRADING
NUNGARIN
NAREMBEEN
MUKINBUDIN
MERREDIN
LAKE GRACE
KUNUNOPPIN
KULIN
KOORDA
KONDININ
KELLERBERRIN
HYDEN
DOWERIN
CORRIGIN
BEACON
By Road:
The Eastern Wheatbelt can be accessed by
self-drive visitors on a good network of sealed
roads. Delightful self-drive trails offer a number
of interesting routes along which to explore
the region.
PERTH
How to get here
BRUCE ROCK
Dowerin Field Days
BENCUBBIN
Go Exploring!
Kojonup
320 273 243229 157 339203 278 237284 248 355 260293 281 268165 370 181 236 311 192
320 43 201265160311141277 82301 92 37215280 22311220226116480203124
BENCUBBIN
273 43 157221 116268 97 234 38 257 49 328109 37 179 68 158 217 120 37 160 80
BRUCE ROCK
243201157 65 20112758 93 192117108188 50127 39 88 77 157 81 121100165
CORRIGIN
229265221 65 211 109128 49 22054 173 144 114192 73 153 66 222 121186165 175
DOWERIN
157
160
116
201
211311
121
277
81
264
92
385
152
153
223
112
144
260
98
80
203
36
HYDEN
339 311 268 127 109 311 191 60 303 83 219 98 159238 88 199 175 262 239232 205 275
KELLERBERRIN
203 141 97 58 128 121 191 151 132175 73 245 57 134 97 93 61 165 23 61 108 85
KONDININ
278 277 234 93 49 277 60 151 268 24 185 95 125203 54 165 115 228 170197 171 241
KOORDA
23782 3819222081303132268 292843631447521410415425210671 19544
KULIN
284 301 257 117 54 264 83 175 24 292 209 71 149227 78 189120 252 175221 195 265
KUNUNOPPIN
24892 49108173922197318584209 2796055131201341689612 11156
LAKE GRACE
355372328188144385 98245 95 363 71 279 220298149259209323264292266336
MERREDIN
260 152 109 50 114 152 159 57 125 144149 60 220
MUKINBUDIN
29380 37 127192153238134203752275529878 1493819518715773130117
78 71 40 119 109 80 72 51 116
NAREMBEEN
281 223 179 39 73 223 88 97 54 214 78 131 149 71 149
NUNGARIN
268 112 68 88 153 112 199 93 165 104189 20 259 40 38 111 154 148 116 32 91 76
111 115 174 120143 117 187
QUAIRADING
165202158 77 66 14417561 115154120134209119195115154 227 55122169109
SOUTHERN CR
370261 217 157222260262165228252252168323109187 174148227 189181 75 225
TAMMIN
181 164 120 81 121 98 239 23 170 106175 96 264 80 157 120 116 55 189
TRAYNING
236 80 37 121186 80 232 61 197 71 221 12 292 72 73 143 32 122 181 83 124 44
83 131 62
WESTONIA
311 203 160 100165 203 205108 171 195 195 111 266 51 130 117 91 169 75 131 124
168
WYALKATCHEM 1921248016517536275852414426556336116117187761092256244168
Country rail line
2
Welcome to Country
A “Welcome to Country” is the unwritten
rule that Aboriginal people are still using
and have done so for thousands of years.
This acknowledgement pays respect to
the Traditional Owners, ancestors and the
continued cultural, spiritual and customary
practices and rights of Aboriginal people. It
also provides an increase in awareness and
recognition of Australia’s Aboriginal peoples
and cultures.
The Njaki Njaki Nyoongar people traditional
lands cover the towns of Nungarin, Trayning,
Kununoppin, Doodlakine, Hines Hill, Kellerberrin,
Merredin, Westonia, Carrabin, Bruce Rock, Corrigin,
Hyden, Kalgarin, Kondinin, Kulin, Muntadgin,
Shackleton, Narembeen and Moorine Rock.
It has become protocol for all Aboriginal
people and the standard by which is used by
all Australians to acknowledge, recognise and
pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the
lands. This is a thousand year old standard of
behaviour that shows respect to each other and
continues to be practiced to this very day. It is
an acknowledgement for Aboriginal groups to
carry on their cultural responsibilities for their
traditional lands.
The Ballardong Nyoongar people traditional
lands cover the towns of Tammin, Wongan Hills,
Dowerin, Wyalkatchem, Cunderdin, Meckering
and Quairading.
cers
Njaki Njaki Dan
The Gubrun people traditional lands cover
the towns of Bencubbin, Koorda, Mukinbudin,
Moorine Rock, Beacon and Southern Cross.
through a continued relationship that spans
over thousands of years.
The map below will show an appreciation of
the traditional Aboriginal cultural governance
landscapes that continue to this day. It will
highlight the different traditional Aboriginal
groups that have maintained their connections
to their lands, waterways and culturally
significant sites. These are the Aboriginal groups
who have and continue to maintain their
cultural responsibilities within their country for
their culturally significant places. These places
have been as much a part of the landscape,
entwined with the different geographic areas
with ecological distinctions that shape the
identity of Aboriginal groups to the spectacular
places and scenery that many visitors choose to
visit. We wish you a safe journey as you travel
through our lands.
As a visitor, we ask that you pay respect to the
land and the places you choose to visit. Please
remember and respect the cultural values of
these significant places and understand that
Aboriginal people continue to have strong
connections and a spiritual relationship not
only to the places but also the ecological and
geographical environment. The many granite
outcrops, waterways, land formations and
flora and fauna within the region holds much
cultural significance to the Traditional
Kuwarra Owners
The Wheatbelt region is home to 3 distinct
Aboriginal groups as follows:
• The Njaki Njaki Nyoongar
• The Ballardong Nyoongar
• The Gubrun
“Please remember that
each step you take
today, is in the footprints
Wangkathaa
of our Ancestors”.
Amangu
Gubrun
Yuat
Ballardong
Wajuk
Malpa
Njaki-Njaki
Pinjarup
Bibbulman
Wudjari
Goreng
Kaniyang
Wardandi
Njaki Njaki Men and boys at a significant site
Wilmen
Minang
Information and photos supplied by
Njaki Njaki Nyoongars/Traditional Owners
Map of Australian Aboriginal Tribal boundaries by Tindale/Horton.
3
Beringbooding Rock Hole, Gubrun Country
Enterprise
Agriculture
When first viewed by early explorer John
Septimus Roe in the 1830’s, the area now
known as the “Wheatbelt” was considered
arid and inhospitable. Surveys by Charles
Hunt in 1864-66 established a track linking
waterholes in the area. Pastoral leases were
taken up in the district but the first land
clearing is thought to have occurred at
Mindabooka around 1889. The coming of
the railway and the growth on the goldfields
encouraged agricultural development.
Today’s explorer encounters open farmland
vistas that change with the seasons. Yellow
fields of canola and green fields of wheat, oats
or barley in winter and spring give way to the
golden hues of early summer and the patchwork
quilt of ploughed fields in the autumn. You will
see that the Wheatbelt’s primary enterprise is
the growing and transport of grain. Broad acre
dry land farming is the backbone of the Eastern
Wheatbelt. Around 40% of the States grain harvest
comes from the region. Livestock, particularly
sheep, also play an important part in profitable
farming systems in the Eastern Wheatbelt.
Agriculture Field Day
The CBH Grain Storage and Transfer Depot at
Merredin is capable of storing up to 470,000
tonnes of grain which is the biggest inland
receival point for grain produced in the
Eastern Wheatbelt. Each town or siding has
its own wheat silos and rail network linked
with Merredin. Research into wheat varieties,
agronomy and agricultural pests and diseases is
a continuing process. The 100 year old Dryland
Research Institute at Merredin operated by
department of Agriculture and Food WA, is the
major agricultural research organisation in the
region.
The region holds many heritage sites and
museums that illustrate the evolution of the grain
industry, the machinery used and the dedication
of generations of farmers and railway people in
establishing the efficient industry there is today.
The Narembeen’s Grain Discovery Centre is a
state of the art interpretive centre which tells
the story of a region growing on grain. The
Eastern Wheatbelt also holds one of the largest
machinery field days in the state, ‘The Dowerin
Field Days’ which is held in Dowerin over two
days in August each year.
Ready for harvest
l Calendar
Agricultura
Mid April - June
Seeding:
cember
November - De
Harvesting:
arch
M
y
ar
nu
Mid Ja
Main Shearing:
July - October
umn)
April-May (Aut
Lambing:
ter)
in
(W
e
un
-J
May
ctober
O
r
be
Septem
Hay Baling:
liant
ities are very re
Farming activ
ing of
tim
d
an
er
on the weath
rains”
the “opening
Green Power Generation
Mining
Collgar Wind Farm
Travel south off the Great Eastern Highway
between Merredin and Burracoppin to drive
through one of the largest wind farms in
Australia. An interpretive display shelter is located
on Bulls Head Road. Collgar Wind Farm is a site
of 18,000ha and contains 111 turbines which
generate enough power to supply 125,000
homes. It will displace 700,000 tonnes of carbon
which is equivalent to taking 160,000 cars off the
road each year, making a major contribution to
WA’s greenhouse gas reductions. The project
location was selected for its unique topography,
world class wind resource, favourable community
rapport and proximity to the power grid.
Although there were reports in the early days
of small amounts of gold found in the Eastern
Wheatbelt, it was really the Yilgarn, Coolgardie
and Kalgoorlie goldfields that led prospectors in
the 1880’s to travel through the Wheatbelt region
towards the fields following the freshwater lakes,
rock water catchments and wells along the way.
The Edna May mine at Westonia was opened
in the early 1900’s and has been an active
mine several times since. It is currently a fully
operational gold mine, having reopened in 2010.
The recently opened Lookout at the Edna May
provides spectacular views of the pit and mill in
operation.
A number of the old prospecting areas throughout
the Yilgarn Shire at Bullfinch, Koolyanobbing,
Marvel Loch and other areas are now providing
an additional employment base for some of the
communities.
Lambs feasting on the green clover
Wind Turbines, Collgar Wind Farm, Merredin
Edna May Mine, Westonia
4
Self-Drive Trails
Go Exploring!
For whichever direction you are travelling, there are
recommended or dedicated self-drive trails to link up with
and enhance your journey. Detailed Eastern Wheatbelt maps,
brochures and some self-drive trail guide books are available
free of charge. These can be obtained before your journey or
en route from regional Visitor Centres, Community Resource
Centres and Shire offices. Contact the Central Wheatbelt Visitor
Centre or visit www.wheatbelttourism.com our virtual office.
Suggested Wheatbelt self-drive trails (2-5 day)
Discover something
new
on a self-drive
trail
Pathways to Wave Rock
Duration: 3 days+
Distance: 760km
Road Conditions: Sealed
QUAIRADING
BRUCE ROCK
PERTH
NAREMBEEN
KONDININ
BROOKTONN
CORRIGIN
KULIN
WAVE ROCK
HYDEN
LAKE GRACE
Make your journey to Wave Rock an experience
to remember. Enjoy country hospitality, natural
bushland with wildflowers in season, spectacular
night skies and an agricultural experience.
Travel along the Mt Walker road with its colourful
wildflowers and onto Hyden. Allow time to
explore Wave Rock, see Hippos Yawn and The
Humps, wildlife park and other attractions.
Your Wheatbelt experience begins as you
leave Perth on the Great Eastern Highway,
travelling to WA’s first inland town York. Enjoy
the motor museum, historic buildings, cafes and
restaurants. Travel 68km east to Quairading then
on to Kokerbin rock, a massive monolith with
great views and picnic area, in the Bruce Rock
Shire. Continue to Bruce Rock and a further
38km south east to Narembeen and browse
their Grain Discovery Centre.
Take alternative routes south through Lake
Grace’s salt lake country and Kulin along the
Tin Horse Highway or west through Kondinin,
Corrigin home of “The Dog in a ute” and west
along the Brookton Highway.
Accommodation: Bed and breakfast,
farmstays, motels, hotels, caravan parks,
RV-friendly towns and free camp sites.
The Tin Horse Highway
The Tin Horse Highway is a laughing matter! In the paddocks
lining the 15km stretch of road east of Kulin, is a gallery of bright,
quirky, community creations.
What started as an authentic community marketing campaign
to promote the annual Kulin Bush Races has become one of
Western Australia’s most popular self-drives. You will also find
some impressive steeds on the western side of Kulin and in town.
The Tin Horse Highway provides a seriously entertaining drive
and a fun alternative route 3 hours east of Perth en route to
iconic Wave Rock. The Tin Horse Highway is FREE and OPEN all
year round.
5
Visitor Information and Souvenirs Kulin Community Resource Centre, Johnston Street, KULIN Tel: (08) 9880 1021 Email: rcmgr@kulin.wa.gov.au Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail
Duration: 3 to 5 days
Distance: Mundaring to Kalgoorlie 650km
Road Conditions: Sealed road with short
stretches of maintained unsealed road.
KALGOORLIE-BOULDER
COOLGARDIE
MERREDIN
SOUTHERN CROSS
NORTHAM
PERTH
(Mundaring Weir)
Hit the road to adventure as you follow the
route of a really impressive engineering feat,
C.Y O’Connor’s pipeline stretching from
Mundaring Weir near Perth through Eastern
Wheatbelt towns of Tammin, Kellerberrin,
Doodlakine, Merredin, Westonia and Southern
Cross to Kalgoorlie. The Golden Pipeline was
built at the dawn of the 20th Century. It was the
most ambitious water supply scheme ever built,
even bigger than anything the Romans did. It is
still the longest freshwater pipeline in the world
and it is still working!
There are 26 special interest sites with
interpretation signs along the way. Together
they tell the story of the land, the people and
the Pipeline. Visit the old pump stations, one
with heritage machinery, one a museum and
others are beautiful stabilised ruins. The Trail
is well signposted so you won’t get lost, even
though it takes you off the ‘beaten track’ on
many occasions, it is suitable for driving in a
conventional family car. A guide book has been
produced by The National Trust and is available
at many places along the Pipeline.
For more information visit
www.goldenpipeline.com.au
Accommodation: Bed and breakfast,
farmstays, motels, hotels, caravan parks,
RV-friendly towns and free camp sites.
Pioneers’ Pathway
Duration: 2 to 4 days
Distance: One way Perth to Merredin 292km
Return via Bruce Rock – York 271km or Golden
Pipeline Heritage Trail 260km
Road Conditions: sealed road.
Some unsealed to nature reserves.
DOWERIN
GOOMALLING
WYALKATCHEM
TRAYNING
NUNGARIN
MERREDIN
A visit to the National Trust Homestead of
Mangowine near Nungarin will take you back to
the early days, while World War II history comes
alive at the Nungarin and Merredin Military
Museums. From April through to October there
TOODYAY
NORTHAM
PERTH
BRUCE ROCK
YORK
Take this delightful scenic route from Perth
through Toodyay or Northam to enjoy bushland
trails at Goomalling and historic Slater’s
Homestead for refreshments on weekends.
At Goomalling have a picnic at Oak Park Lake
and visit a school museum. At Dowerin visit
the Pioneering Homestead Museum and the
Tin Dog Creek walk trail. Wyalkatchem has a
1930’s wheat bin museum where bulk handling
of grain began.
are wildflowers in a variety of reserves including
Billyacatting at Trayning, Eaglestone Peak and
Talgomine at Nungarin and Merredin Peak at
Merredin.
Whether you are travelling east or west there
are opportunities to take alternative tranquil
routes through the Wheatbelt and off the
busy Great Eastern Highway. Drive the trail
taken by the Goldfields’ pioneers, follow the
Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail or the Pathways
to Wave Rock. For more information visit
www.pioneerspathway.org.au
Accommodation: Bed and breakfast,
farmstays, caravan parks, motels, hotels,
RV-friendly towns and free camp sites.
The Wheatbelt Way
Duration: 3-5 days or more
Distance: Approximately 800km-1000km
depending on route taken
Road Conditions: Sealed roads with stretches
of good unsealed road to rock and bushland
features.
BEACON
KOORDA
DOWERIN
GOOMALLING
BONNIE ROCK
BENCUBBIN
MUKINBUDIN
TRAYNING
WYALKATCHEM NUNGARIN
TOODYAY
WESTONIA
MERREDIN
NORTHAM
To start your Wheatbelt Way adventure travel
through the Avon Valley to Dowerin 2hrs east
of Perth or turn off the Great Eastern Hwy at
Carrabin (10km south of Westonia) 3.5hrs east
of Perth. The Wheatbelt Way self-drive trail will
lead visitors on an adventurous interpreted
journey to 24 dedicated sites highlighting
natural attractions, historical and heritage sites
and landscapes in the North East Wheatbelt.
Each site offers opportunities to stay and
experience 9 unique Wheatbelt Communities
where you can experience good old-fashion
hospitality while exploring at your own leisure.
For a copy of the FREE 50 page Wheatbelt Way
Self-Drive Trail Guidebook and 2 Audio CD set
with dramatised stories to guide you on your
journey through the north eastern Wheatbelt.
Call 1300 736 283 or (08) 9041 1666 to request
a copy to be posted to you or download from
the website www.wheatbeltway.com.au
Accommodation: Bed and breakfast,
farmstays, motels, hotels, caravan parks,
RV-friendly towns and free camp sites.
CARABBIN
PERTH
Granite Woodlands and Discovery Trail
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 302km
Road Conditions: Unsealed (all weather)
NORSEMAN
Wave Rock
HYDEN
The Breakaways
ESPERANCE
Linking Hyden (Wave Rock) in the Eastern
Wheatbelt to Norseman in the Goldfields,
explore pristine landscape – home to one of
the world’s greatest untouched temperate
woodlands, with 16 interpretive sites. Some of
these sites have walk trails, picnic sites and/or
camping facilities.
Heading east from Hyden stretching 300km to
Norseman, the trail offers an alternative route to
or from Kalgoorlie, Esperance and the Eastern
States. Travelling the Wheatbelt section of
the trail follows 53.2km of open Wheatbelt to
the State Barrier fence and then 4.8km to the
Holland Track intersection through low sandy
heathland.
From this point it is 7.1 km to the intersection of
Forrestonia Road which can take you back to
Southern Cross or follow the trail east another
46.5km to the Shires of Kondinin and Dundas
boundaries. The remainder of the trail continues
in the Dundas Shire east to Norseman.
For a copy of the map or more information
contact the Wave Rock Visitor Centre on
(08) 9880 5182.
Information: Many sites en route have only
picnic and/or camping facilities and walk trails.
6
wheatbelt north east
Cement St Westonia
The real
country
Breathe in the fresh country air as you find yourself surrounded by a vast
timeless land of bright skies and big horizons rich with the sights and
sounds of nature. Take in the contrasting landscapes of open paddocks,
green belts of trees and rugged rocky outcrops. The woodlands are
transformed with blankets of wildflowers in spring and a profusion of
bird and animal life. These north east towns lie along the Pioneers’
Pathway and the Wheatbelt Way self-drive trails and offer alternative
routes to or from the Avon Valley, Coral Coast and Northern Goldfields.
Mangowine
Beacon and Bencubbin
Dowerin
Shire of Mt Marshall is known as the
Sandalwood Shire and the towns of Beacon
and Bencubbin service this most northern shire
of the North East Wheatbelt.
Located 156km north east of Perth and with
a population of approximately 700 Dowerin
is home to the annual GWN7 Machinery Field
Day, the biggest rural event in WA held over the
last Wednesday and Thursday of August.
Both towns have a range of services including
country clubs, hotels, co-ops and cafés.
Sandalwood cutters and graziers were the first
Europeans to settle in this area and a newly
established Sandalwood Interpretive Centre at
Bencubbin recognises this history.
Situated south east of Bencubbin is Marshall Rock
a popular camping site and a few kms along on
private property, the Pergandes sheep yards, are
the remains of one of the original homesteads
and sheep yards. Constructed from local granite
slabs, it shows the initiative of early settlers and
how they made use of what materials were
readily available.
Dowerin Dray
7
Homestead
East of Beacon is Datjoin Rock on the Bonnie
Rock Road and north of Beacon is Billiburning
Rock which is part of the large Karroun Hill Nature
Reserve in the far north east of the shire beyond
the Vermin Proof fence. Following the lake
Moore salt lake system north on the Mouroubra
Road is an alternative unsealed route through to
Paynes Find in the north east Goldfields.
Rusty the Tin Dog stands guard at the western
entrance to town proudly representing the spirit
and ingenuity of this small rural community. Join
Rusty on an adventure throughout his home, Tin
Dog Creek and take the long or short walking
trail for a stroll through some of the last stands of
untouched bush in the Wheatbelt.
At Namelkatchem Reserve, 17km east of Dowerin
you can see where wagon wheel tracks made by
pioneers as they travelled to the Goldfields are
still visible today.
Nearby Minnivale was once a thriving local
community where a new history is now emerging
with the development of the Wheatbelt Heritage
Rail project. Although in its early stages, work has
commenced to transform the former Minnivale
Wheat bin into a Heritage Rail Interpretative
Centre. Expected completion of this project is in
2014. Dowerin has a range of shops, services and
accommodation for the visitor.
Koorda
A small town 250km north east of Perth,
Koorda has a population of approximately 480.
In 1836 the Surveyor General, John Septimus Roe,
led an expedition to the east of the Avon Valley in
a search for pastoral land. One of his camps was
located a few miles north of the present town of
Koorda. Hardy settlers of the Avon Valley moved
sheep and cattle out to make use of grasses
and fresh water. By the 1860’s a few pastoral
homesteads were set up at favourable places.
The Koorda Museum is continually adding to the
historical exhibits and has an excellent display of
old medical equipment.
There are local natural rock formations that are
well worth a visit when there are wildflowers
in abundance. These provided essential water
catchment for the early travellers and settlers of
the district. The Koorda Native Flora Reserve has
been established to showcase the flora native to
this area and there are camping facilities available
including a composting toilet.
Mukinbudin
Located 296km north east of Perth with a
population of approximately 650.
Mukinbudin is a vibrant community in a wheat and
sheep farming area. Situated on the Wheatbelt
Way (www.wheatbleltway.com.au) Mukinbudin
boasts loads to see and excellent facilities for
the travelling visitor such as two banks, Cafe,
Hotel well stocked IGA Supermarket, Hairdresser,
Tyre Shop, 24 hour fuel, Community Resource
Centre, Post Office, Gift Shop, Steel Fabricator,
Newsagency, Hardware and much more. The
Recreation facilities are second to none and
include a synthetic bowling green and tennis
courts, golf course and a recently refurbished
Olympic size swimming pool. An excellent
caravan park with a unique Shearing Shed theme
Campers Kitchen and a new ablution block
boasting industry leading ensuites are available
for the traveller.
The 1950’s working farm shed is situated in the
middle of town where a passionate community
group work to retain their heritage. Restored
machinery is on display and this is located close
to the Unique Heritage Grain Silo which is an
amazing engineering feat from times gone by.
Come and explore the massive granite outcrops
of Mukinbudin including Beringbooding Rock,
which has one of the largest rock water catchment
tank in Australia, built in 1937 and holding two
and a quarter million gallons. Beringbooding has
an amazing balancing boulder, a huge gnamma
hole and some of the Kalamaia tribe’s paintings
of hands in a cave at the rear of the rock. Nearby
is Elachbutting Rock; explore this massive granite
outcrop with its spectacular waves, tunnel and
cavern, prospector’s well and superb wildflowers
during the season.
An Annual four day Art Festival in September brings
the town alive (www.wheatbelttourism.com/
events) starting with wine and cheese opening
on Wednesday evening, days packed with
workshops, displays, 50’s farm machinery demos
Granit Rock Tours and Fireworks culminating
with a market day on Saturday full of stalls, loads
of entertainment children’s entertainment, Muka
Mile foot race and car exhibition. Free entry
has visitors returning annually amazed at the
friendly fun filled event. For information contact
(08) 9047 1102. or www.mukinbudin.wa.gov.au
Nungarin
This small wheatbelt town with a shire
population of less than 300 makes up for its
lack of size as a hub of attractions for history
and community activity.
The first Sunday of each month from March
through to December the town swells in
population for the famous Nungarin Wheatbelt
Markets where stalls sell everything from chooks
to machinery. Historic Old McCorry’s Hotel
accommodation and caravan park provides
lunches on Nungarin Market days.
An enviable and extensive collection of military
and agricultural memorabilia are on display at the
Nungarin Heritage Machinery and Army Museum
which is the largest timber ex-army vehicle
workshop constructed in 1942-43 as part of the
WWII defence. About 14km north of town, the
National Trust property, Mangowine Homestead
is a must see of family life and enterprise on the
districts earliest pioneer farm which hosts an annual
(October) music event called Mangowine Concert.
Trayning
The town is named after the original pioneer
“Trayning Well”, a word which is derived from
the Aboriginal interpretation “Duranning” for
“snake crawling in the grass near camp site”.
These early watering holes were part of a series
of wells dug along the early goldfields track
that extended from the Avon Valley to the
Yilgarn Goldfields. The wells were of such great
importance to the early pastoralists that they lined
them with natural stone to ensure their durability.
The town has first-rate Recreation, Caravan Park,
Campers Kitchen, Playground and BBQ facilities.
The towns have a range of shops and services.
The Shire of Trayning services two other towns,
Kununoppin known for its bushland setting
with walk trails, a particular delight in spring and
Yelbeni with its small heritage museum.
Mukinbudin Caravan Park
Ideally located adjacent to swimming pool,
recreation oval, golf course and a short
walk to the main shopping area. 11 powered
sites, 3 fully self contained air conditioned
park homes, 4 comfortable cabins, one
3 bedroom house, NEW shearing shed
themed campers kitchen, NEW ablutions
with leading industry ensuites. Wireless
broadband access available, BBQ facilities
and free swimming pool entry (in season).
Dump point facilities available.
Mukinbudin
Tel: (08) 9047 1103
Email: stay@mukinbudin.wa.gov.au
Website: www.mukinbudin.wa.gov.au
Westonia
Located just 3 hours’ drive east of Perth and
10km north of the Great Eastern Highway
from Carrabin.
The town owes its beginnings to the discovery of
gold in the area by a prospector and sandalwood
cutter Alfred David Weston. Agricultural industries
also developed in the area in the 1920’s. The
heritage buildings constructed in the town
during this period have been maintained by the
Shire of Westonia and all new buildings on the
main street have been constructed in a similar
historic style.
The proposed Hood-Penn Museum will be
housed in the impressive historic style Club
Hotel building and should be open for public
exhibition by March 2014. Relics from the town’s
mining and agricultural past sit comfortably
amongst the town’s streetscapes and gardens.
The currently operating Edna May gold mine
can be viewed from a new mine lookout.
Today agriculture is the primary industry, though
the reopening of the Edna May gold mine in
2010 has also provided other employment
opportunities in the region. Westonia is
surrounded by 5,600 ha of eucalypt reserve
which includes salmon gum, morrell and gimlet.
Westonia Common Woodlands are accessible
by a 4km Woodlands and Wildflower trail.
Wyalkatchem
Located 194km from Perth with a population
of 523.
The gateways to the town are historical grain
elevators that mark the regions claim to fame
as “The Cradle of Bulk Handling” being the very
first place where bulk wheat was collected in
Western Australia. Mr H Threfall was the farmer
who made the first delivery to the bulk system
at Korrelocking. The Wyalkatchem Agriculture
Museum is housed in an early 1936 preserved
wheat bin.
Wyalkatchem is a great place to retreat in relaxed
and peaceful surroundings and has a medical
centre, a variety of shops and cafés’ and sports
and leisure facilities. Enjoy picturesque nature
walks and reserves or play a round on the golf
course.
Today’s community proudly honours the
Traditional Custodians who had names for and
used the early water sites such as Wyalcatching
and Korrelocking and the early pioneers who
contributed to the current quality of life in rural
Wyalkatchem.
Watson’s Way Country Stay & Tours
One of the Wheatbelts’ most popular
B & B’s located on the ‘Wheatbelt
Way’ self-drive trail and close to the
massive scenic granite outcrops of
Beringbooding and Elachbutting.
•4 self-contained cottages with priv.
facilities, kitchen, TV, heater, fans,
elec blankets, books, patio, BBQ area
•Cooked b/fast, other meals avail.
•Rock and farm tours available.
2001 Winner Heartlands
Regional Tourism Awards
“Caravan & Camping
Category”
RAC Rating 3 1/2 Stars
Mukinbudin
Tel: (08) 9047 0008
1487 Cunderin Rd, Mukinbudin WA 6479
E: watsonsway4@bigpond.com
Web: www.watsonswaybb.com
8
The Woolshed Hotel, Nungarin
Henry’s Hideaway B&B
The Woolshed Hotel offers
friendly service and cold
beer with stylish dining and
accommodation. Browse
the shearing memorabilia
or relax by the fire or in the
shady beer garden.
Ask about our Weekend and
Pamper Packages. We have
function facilities available.
Nungarin
Tel: (08) 9046 5084
58 Railway Ave, Nungarin
Email: thewoolshedhotel@gmail.com
Westonia Caravan Park
Take a step back in time in Westonia and
view historic facades, walk amongst the
nature trail through 4,000ha of natural
woodlands or take a picnic at one of
several nature reserves with spectacular
rock formations or view an operational
mine from the Edna May lookout.
RV friendly, budget accommodation.
Westonia
Tel: (08) 9046 7063
Fax: (08) 9046 7001
Corner Kaolin & Wolfram St, Westonia
Email: shire@westonia.wa.gov.au
Wyalkatchem Travellers Park
Shauna & Russ invite you to ‘Stay -a -Wyal ‘ in their Travellers Park
8 roomy, drive through ensuite sites.
10 roomy, drive through sites and camping.
Camp kitchen, a beautiful new ablution block including disabled
facilities, fire pit, laundry, lawn area, pets welcome, shade, walking
distance to town, local information available, dump point.
9
Melissa welcomes you to a quality farmstay B&B. Luxurious rooms
with comfortable queen size beds in modern homestead on
100 acres of picturesque hills, valleys, trees and rock outcrops.
Magnificent views, sunsets and sunrises with only nature to be seen.
Full house facilities (inc WiFi) are at your disposal. Cook your own
meal, have one cooked or dine in town. The famous camp fires
under brilliant starry skies are popular. Add to the experience
with a camp oven dinner, damper, billy tea/coffee, mulled wine,
games, bush dance and songs. Wander the many trails to explore
wildflowers, majestic gum trees, kangaroos, echidnas, gnamma
holes and other flora and fauna.
Wyalkatchem
Tel: Mel 0488 099 053
Lot 6307 Nungarin-Wyalkatchem Rd, Korrelocking
Email: melissa.green@westnet.com.au
Wyalkatchem Tours
Melissa and Shauna of Wyalkatchem Tours offer you the opportunity
to experience our fantastic Wheatbelt lifestyle through one of the
following tours:
• Working farm (seasonal)
• Historical - experience the old ways
• Nature Tour - Flora and fauna
• Pamper your body, mind and soul
• Sporting , against local teams
• Arts of any medium
• Fit farm - healthy food and exercise
• Wildflower (Late Sept & Oct)
• Local Aboriginal Culture (limited)
• Team building for any group
• Events - check website for details
Come and experience our quiet, relaxing and spacious park for
yourself. Visit www.wyalkatchemtravellerspark.com, read our
guestbook page, phone us and make a booking!
All include experiencing our special Wheatbelt lifestyle - campfires,
starry skies, campoven dinners, damper, mulled wine, local produce,
wine and cheese at sunset, bush dance and song, open quiet and
picturesque surrounds - all subject to seasonal conditions.
Wyalkatchem
Tel: Shauna 0427 814 042 or Russ 0429 814 042
Hands Drive (Goomalling-Merredin Rd)
Email: swellsy1@yahoo.com.au
Web: www.wyalkatchemtravellerspark.com
Wyalkatchem
Tel: Shauna 0427 814 042 or Mel 0488 099 053
Email: melissa.green@westnet.com.au
Web: www.wyalkatchem.com.au
WT
pathways to wave rock
the open
wheatbelt
The Pathways to Wave Rock Trail links the towns of Quairading, Bruce
Rock, Narembeen, Hyden, Lake Grace, Kulin, Kondinin and Corrigin.
The pathways offer alternative routes to and from Perth, the Great Eastern
Highway and to or from the South West. These self-drive trails featuring
massive granite outcrops are surrounded by natural bushland offering
spectacular views from their summits and are havens for bushwalkers and
the wildflower enthusiast. Follow quirky trails and whichever way
you travel the Open Wheatbelt guarantees the unexpected.
Narembeen Gra
in
Discovery Centre
Bruce Rock
Corrigin
Hyden
Bruce Rock has many surprises including a
fantastic Amphitheatre that provides a venue
for performing arts and an adjoining sculpture
park which is a unique place for a picnic or
stroll. Centennial Pathway, a community
project celebrates 100 years of initiative with
a Mosaic Wall that extends along the main
street. Memorials in front of the amphitheatre
acknowledge Veterans from all military forces
that meet annually for a Back to the Bush
Reunion.
Only 235km on Brookton Highway from
Perth, Corrigin was once known as the town
of the windmills until a town water scheme
in 1960. It is now famous for its tribute to
“Mans Best Friend” at the unique dog cemetery
and is the world record holder for Dogs in a
Ute event.
Hyden has traditionally serviced wheat,
sheep and cattle farms and mining interests.
However in the past 30 years the Kondinin
Shire’s easternmost town of 200 residents has
embraced a new industry – tourism.
The modern Aquatic and Recreational Centre
provides the community and visitors with
sporting facilities, water slide, spa and river pool,
gymnasium, skate park, BBQ and picnic facilities
all conveniently located near the Caravan Park.
The township of Shackleton boasts ‘the smallest
bank’ a 3mx4m weatherboard building that
closed in 1997 and a unique art and sculpture
park. Nearby is Kokerbin Rock, a commanding
monolith 122m high with picnic area and
designated walk trails through the bushland
to the summit and a dry-wall well constructed
in the early 1900’s. Ardath features a restored
circa 1925 heritage style hotel and dining room
restaurant with a country pub atmosphere.
The town is nestled at the base of Corrigin Rock
and to experience Corrigin on foot the town
offers a variety of dedicated tracks and trails.
The town’s history is reflected in the windmill
entry statement and is showcased at the Pioneer
Museum and RSL Memorial Lookout.
Corrigin offers all the necessary services and
facilities including an adventure playground and
swimming pool.
Each year approximately 110,000 visitors converge
on Hyden to visit Wave Rock situated 4km east of
town. Most people come to Hyden to see Wave
Rock but there are many other great sights and
activities to enjoy in Hyden’s historical townsite
and 280ha bush reserve. While Wave Rock is the
most famous feature it forms only one part of
the massive granite outcrop known as Hyden
Rock. There are several other “wave” granite rock
formations in the surrounding bushland.
In a joint initiative with Kulin, Kondinin and
Narembeen Councils, Corrigin has the first
mobile glass crusher in WA increasing glass
recycling in the region. The glass will be used
for a wide range of civil construction purposes
in place of natural sand, such as in asphalt and
concrete pavements, kerbing and guttering,
pole footings, pipe bedding and road base.
Corrigin Dog Cemetery
10
Kondinin
Lake Grace
Narembeen
Located approximately 277km east of Perth
Kondinin is known as the Gateway to Wave
Rock. With a population of 300 the town is
surrounded by natural woodland, granites
and sheep, wheat and canola farms with
hi-tech grain silos.
With a population of around 650, Lake Grace
is the largest of 5 communities that make up
the Shire of Lake Grace and include the towns
of Varley, Newdegate, Pingaring and Lake King.
Located strategically between Wave Rock and
the Great Eastern Highway and only 286km
east of Perth, this predominantly agricultural
town is named after its aboriginal heritage as
the “place of the female emu”.
Pioneer Surveyor General J.S. Roe’s importance
in the selection of land for the early pioneer
farmers is reflected in the J.S. Roe Heritage Trail
which includes a magnificent mural depicting
his epic journey, a replica well (Condinin Well)
and the picturesque Yeerakine Rock which
provides 360 degree views.
The townsite features many restored heritage
buildings and store fronts, a pioneer cemetery,
Women’s Suffrage gazebo and garden featuring
winning creations from the annual Iron Man
Sculptures Art Prize.
Other walk trails include the Heritage Trail of the
Bush Schools and a natural bush walk trail near
town where you can see Eucalyptus kondinensis
(Black Butt or Stocking Tree).
Kulin
Located 283km south east of Perth, Kulin is
renowned as the home of the Kulin Bush Races
held on the first weekend in October annually.
Another equine attraction is the “Tin Horse
Highway” which is now a significant part of the
Kulin community’s identity and cultural heritage.
These creative tin horses provide a great source
of amusement to travellers passing through
Kulin and have to be seen to be believed. Kulin
facilities include a 172m long, 18m high water
slide, new aquatic centre and state of the art
recreation centre.
Nestled among an ancient river system, the
Shire of Lake Grace is home to many shallow
salt lakes of brilliant white and varying shades of
pink, green, tan and mauve. Amazing to see no
matter what the time of year, the lakes provide
a scenic experience that visitors are sure to
remember. In spring, the country comes alive
with unique and delicate wildflowers which
make for a wonderful time to picnic or hike
through some of the numerous nature reserves.
In 1893 John Holland and his partners cut the
now famous Holland Track which crosses
through the Shire from Broomehill en route
to the Goldfields. The cartwheel ruts of their
wagons can still be seen in some areas of
uncleared bushland near the Lake Grace/
Newdegate Road.
Take a step back in time and visit the AIM Hospital
Museum in Lake Grace and the Hainsworth
Building in Newdegate. The Lake Grace Visitor
Centre (the Restored Station Masters House)
has a large variety of locally made products and
visitor information maps and guides.
Relax at the local winery or cafe with friends and
take in the local art at the ‘Artspace’ on Stubbs
St. Scattered throughout the Shire you will find
a range of accommodation available - caravan
parks, hotels, motels, and B&B’s, along with
good services, sporting and recreation facilities.
11
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the undisturbed
beauty of surrounding reserves with nature trails
that take in tall salmon gums, native animals, and
during spring, splendid wildflowers. Attractions
include Roe lookout, Roe Dam, Anderson Rock
and Hidden Hollow.
Local craft works are created and sold from the
Narembeen Community Shed which houses
the Men’s Shed, Arcadian Concepts timber
furniture and the Narembeen Arts and Craft Inc.
Quairading
A farming community of approximately
1,200 people, Quairading is on the York to
Merredin Road. The town name derived from
the Aboriginal word ”Kwirading”, meaning the
home of a small brush kangaroo.
“Kwirading Spring” is just 6.4km south of the town
and was used by Aborigines as a stopping place.
Quairading was first recognised as an agricultural
area in the early 1860’s and developed as a rural
centre for the ever expanding wheat and sheep
industry. Today the region produces cereal and
grain crops, wool, sheep and cattle.
Immediately west of the townsite is Quairading
Nature Reserve with walking trails where
527ha have been set aside for flora and fauna
conservation and environmental studies. The
natural salt lakes in the district, Kevill’s Lake and
Lake Mears often hold vast expanses of water
which are popular for waterskiing. 30km east of
town lie the massive granite outcrops of Mount
Stirling, Mount Caroline and the monolith
Kokerbin Rock. These granites are of particular
significance to the local Aboriginal community.
Visit the Macrocarpa Walking Trail 1km west of
the town which showcases the Shire of Kulin’s
floral emblem, Eucalyptus macrocarpa. From
Kulin, follow the Tin Horse Highway on the Holt
Rock Road and 15km east is Jilakin Rock and
Lake which has a lovely picnic spot.
Buckley’s Breakaway is where erosion has
formed spectacular white cliffs and gullies
through the orange laterite. This interesting
geological site is 70km east of Kulin.
The Grain Discovery Centre, a modern interpretive
museum, tells the story of WA’s grain industry
from the paddock to the plate. There is also a
special exhibition dedicated to farmers, their
role in the agriculture industry and the seasonal
calendar.
Salt Lake, Lake Grace
Kulin Bush Races
Lake Grace Visitors Centre
The Lake Grace Visitors Centre is the information point for the Shire
of Lake Grace, which encompasses the townships of Pingaring,
Varley, Lake King, Newdegate and Lake Grace. Historical buildings, local art, wildflowers, granite outcrops and salt
lakes are just some of the attractions the shire has to offer. Call in
to the Visitors Centre for information on things to do, brochures for
surrounding areas, souvenirs and locally sourced gifts and wares.
Or head to our website www.lakegrace.wa.gov.au/tourism.html for
information on accommodation.

Find us on Facebook
Lake Grace
Tel: (08) 98 652140
19 Stubbs St
Email: lgvisitorscentre@westnet.com.au
Web: www.lakegrace.wa.gov.au/tourism
Corrigin Windmill Motel
Situated 230kms SE of Perth along
the wildflower route. Comfortable,
affordable accommodation with
great facilities and amenities for
business travellers, holiday makers
and families. We offer various types
of rooms inc. twin rooms, double
rooms, queen rooms and a family
room. All rooms contain digital
TVs & rev/cycle air conditioning.
Corrigin
Tel: (08) 9063 2390 Fax: (08) 9063 2710
10 Kunjin St, Corrigin 6375
Email: admin@corriginwindmillmotel.com.au
Web: www.corriginwindmillmotel.net
Lake Grace sunrise
Wave Rock Hotel, Caravan Park & Resort
Why not stay the night at Wave Rock & see it all! Experience
comfortable rooms, spas, cold beer and top local steaks!
• Stay at the comfortable and popular Wave Rock Motel with pool,
guest lounge, open fire and grand piano – Group bookings
welcome!
• Stay at the Wave Rock Resort in one of 14 modern luxurious
cottages, near Lake Magic – group bookings welcome!
• Wave Rock Caravan Park offers new facilities including private
ensuites and pool – internet access also available.
Hotel:
Tel: (08) 9880 5052
Email: hydenhotel@bigpond.com
Web: www.waverock.com.au
Resort & Caravan Park:
Tel: (08) 9880 5022
Email: waverock@wn.com.au
Web: www.waverock.com.au
Newdegate Myriadena Motel & Caravan Park
•Air conditioned refurbished units - TV,
microwave, coffee making facilites
•Fully self contained 2 bedroom cottage
•Shady powered drive through sites
•Self contained cabins and onsite vans
•Disabled freindly
•Fully equipped laundry
•Parking for big rigs
•Onsite RV dump point
•LPG gas dealer
•Service with a smile
Newdegate
Tel: (08) 9871 1685
201 North Newdegate Rd
Email: myriadena@bigpond.com
John & Anne
welcome you!
12
wheatbelt central
the golden
heart
Enjoy the patchwork of woodlands, wildflowers, sweeping
farmlands and salt lakes through their seasonal colour changes.
Lying on the major east-west rail and the Great Eastern Highway
road transport systems these towns have thriving communities
and services. These towns are also part of the Golden Pipeline
Heritage Trail which runs from Mundaring Weir near Perth to
Kalgoorlie. Take a break from your journey and look beyond the
highway to find out that makes these towns tick.
Kellerberrin
Merredin
200km east of Perth with a population of around
1,250, Kellerberrin has a history of farming and
the manufacture of agricultural machinery.
Merredin is the largest regional centre in
the Eastern Wheatbelt strategically located
259km east of Perth and 334km west of
Kalgoorlie on the Great Eastern Highway.
A drive to Kellerberrin Hill provides panoramic views
of the town and surrounding region. The heritage
walk trail takes you through town past charming
historic buildings, churches and the museum.
Centenary Park provides a children’s playground,
pergolas and BBQ facilities. Town services include
cafes, butcher shop, supermarket and hotel.
Kellerberrin is at the heart of many natural
attractions including Mt Stirling and Mt Caroline
25kms south, offering magnificent views of
these giant granite outcrops.
With the newly developed Caravan Park,
Kellerberrin makes for the perfect stopping point to
see the great views that the Wheatbelt has to offer.
Kellerberrin Hill lookout
13
Merredin has a population of around 3,000 but
services a hinterland of over 15,000 people. It is
the regional base for government and commercial
organisations and supports quality facilities for
business, education, health, transport, sport,
recreation and tourism. The town is a thriving
regional centre with strong community ties that
has a lot to offer both locals and visitors.
Wimmera Hill Look
out, Yilgarn
Historic Cummins Theatre has regular shows
and history buffs will enjoy the Railway and
Military museums and the WWII Military Hospital
site. There are walk and cycle trails, Merredin
Peak granite rock and historic water catchment
scheme all within the town site. Offering a range
of accommodation and places to eat, Merredin
is the perfect place to explore the region.
The Shire of Merredin also encompasses the
farming settlements of Hines Hill, 20km west
along the Great Eastern Highway and Muntadgin,
56km south east of Merredin.
Cummins Theatre, Merredin
Banner on Barrack
Merredin Walk & Cycle
• Merredin Peak Reserve – Cycle the Bush Trail
and walk the Heritage Rock Trail. A moderate
level of fitness is recommended. If walking
both, allow 1.5hrs.
• Tamma Parkland - Enjoy a 30 minute walk
trail amongst natural bushland. There are flora
and fauna interpretative panels and a trail map
and picnic table. This site is well worth a visit to
see orchids, everlastings and flowering shrubs
during wildflower season.
• Pioneer Cemetery - (off Cohn St) Where
Merredin and districts pioneers are laid to rest.
Stroll around the old headstones and enjoy the
natural wildflower display when in season.
• Apex Park - Let the children have fun playing
on the swings. Enjoy a break while cooking a
family BBQ.
• Roy Little Park and Long Tan Vietnam
Memorial - Roy Little Park provides a paved
walking or cycle trail, playground and picnic
seats and a home for the other two legged
locals - the ducks. Nearby to the north of the
Shire administration centre, is the Long Tan
Vietnam Memorial pond which is a dedication
to the soldiers and their service during the
Vietnam War.
Roy Little Park, Merredin
Southern Cross
Tammin
A mixture of Wheatbelt and Goldfields, 368km
from Perth the Shire of Yilgarn has a population
of approximately 3,000.
Tammin is located 184km east of Perth on the
Great Eastern Highway.
Southern Cross has a vibrant agriculture and
flourishing mining industry to sustain it through
boom and bust cycles. Visitors are drawn to the
gold mining ghost towns throughout the shire.
The building that houses the Yilgarn History
Museum is where Arthur Bayley registered his
Coolgardie claim and Paddy Hannan took out
his Miners Right.
• Totadgin Conservation Park and Historic
Hunts Dam - 14km south of Merredin on the
Bruce Rock Road. Interpretive walk trail and
a mini rock wave. A great picnic spot with
wildflowers in season.
The Shire of Tammin including the settlements
of Bungulla and Yorkrakine has a total population
of 469 and covers an area of 1087m2 and its
economy is primarily agriculture based.
It is a classical Wheatbelt town with huge concrete
silos dominating the town’s skyline, which were
one of the first built in Australia.
Karalee Dam which is 50km east of Southern
Cross is part of the early water storage reservoir
including a rock catchment, aqueduct and
Hunts Soak built for the railway development
and is now a popular camping spot for travellers.
Kadjininy Kep is a dual purpose area hosting a
hydrology model which is also being used as a
performance space for shows and concerts. It
is located within the town site behind the Town
Hall with shaded grass slopes surrounded by
running water and a water feature.
The Shire of Yilgarn services the towns and
mining centres of Bodallin, Moorine Rock, Marvel
Loch, Yellowdine, Koolyanobbing and Bullfinch
and hosts an annual motocross event called
“King of the Cross”. The town streets and salt
lakes are named after stars and constellations.
The hydrology model exhibits an educational
model which aims to educate about the causes
and effects of the salinity crisis facing much
of WA’s rural regions. It consists of two submodels. The first model shows an undisturbed
environment where all systems are considered
to be in equilibrium. This model comprises an
undulating, fully natural vegetated landscape
where ground water levels are kept in check
by the transpiration of the trees. The second
model, depicted by extensive clearing, displays
how ground water continues to build, causing
water logging of ground surfaces with salt laden
water.
Hunts Well is a historical site located a few
kilometres south of Tammin. The explorer
Charles Hunt camped in this area in 1864
and returned in 1865 with men to construct
a well as part of a string of wells and soaks at
intervals along the route to Southern Cross and
Kalgoorlie Goldfields. It is worth stopping to see
this important part of the state’s history and a
pleasant spot for a picnic utilising the tables
provided.
Further down the road is Charles Gardener
Reserve (14km south) encompasses 600
hectares of natural vegetation. The reserve is
ablaze with wildflowers during winter and spring
and contains a variety of species.
Wide open sp
aces
Tammin Kadjininy Kep
14
MERREDIN
Merredin Motel & Gumtree Restaurant
Tourist Park
Luxury & Budget Accommodation
Nestled amongst giant gumtrees and off the main highway
our motel and restaurant offers guests a quaint, rustic country
experience. Services include: restaurant, swimming pool, BBQ
facility, Foxtel, reverse cycle airconditioning & WiFi.
Merredin
Tel (08) 9041 1886
Fax: (08) 9041 1336
30-34 Gamenya Avenue,
Merredin WA 6415
Email: reception@merredinmotel.com
Web: www.merredinmotel.com
Southern Cross Caravan Park & Motor Lodge
Run away to country freedom and stay
where the Southern Cross shines. Plenty of
room to lie back and chill out. If you feel
the need for excitement then we will rock
you. Become a gold-digger, you may get
lucky. Go bush for a day to experience life
on the edge where civilization ends and
wilderness begins. Whatever you choose,
we have a warm, comfy bed and a hot
shower waiting when you return.
Southern Cross
Tel: (08) 9049 1212
Great Eastern Highway, Southern Cross
Email: bookings@sandalwoodmotorlodge.net.au
Web: www.sandalwoodmotorlodge.net.au
15
Merredin Bed & Breakfast
Established 2007 this beautiful
Art Deco former bank building
and residence is in the heart of
the Wheatbelt and historic
World War II sites.
Set in lovely gardens with
2 additional self-contained
apartments.
Merredin
Tel: (08) 9041 4358
Mob: 0417 221 909
30 Bates St, Merredin 6415
Email: avrileparker@westnet.com.au
Web: www.merredinbedandbreakfast.com
Maison d’Avril
Tammin Wheat Silos
RV Friendly Towns & Destinations
RV Friendly Towns in
the Eastern Wheatbelt
An RV Friendly Town™ is one that happily provides
amenities and services for the mobile traveller.
Bruce Rock
Visitor Information
Bruce Rock Community Resource Centre,
Johnson St. Phone: (08) 9061 1687
Casual Parking: (near retail centre) Johnson St
Short Term Parking: SW end of Bruce Rock
Sporting Complex, $5 per van/per night
Long Term Parking: NE end of Bruce Rock
Sporting Complex
Dump Point: Dunstal St, Bruce Rock C’van Park
Dowerin
Visitor Information
Dowerin Community Resource Centre,
13 Stewart St. Phone: (08) 9631 1662
Casual Parking: (near retail centre) Stewart St
Short Term Parking: Self contained vehicles,
Field Days site, Memorial Ave, (48hr),
Field Days excluded
Long Term Parking: Minnivale
Dump Point: Stewart St, Dowerin
& Minnivale Campground (12km)
Kondinin
Visitor Information
Shire administration centre 11 Gordon St.
Phone: (08) 9889 1006
Casual Parking: (near retail centre) Jones St
(opp Town Hall)
Short & Long Term Parking:
Kondinin C’van Park 32 Gordon St,
Phone: (08) 9889 1006
Dump Point: Kondinin C’van Park
32 Gordon St, Phone: (08) 9889 1006
Kulin
Visitor Information
Kulin Community Resource Centre,
Johnston St. Phone: (08) 9880 1021
Casual Parking: Johnston St, South side
Short & Long Term Parking: Between Kulin
Community Resource Centre & Kulin Hostel
Kulin Bush Races, Jilakin Rock North Rd,
(14km)
Dump Point: Johnston St
Mukinbudin
Visitor Information
Shire administration centre, 15 Maddock St.
Phone: (08) 9047 1102
Casual Parking: (near retail centre).
Strugnell St
Short & Long Term Parking: Mukinbudin
Caravan Park, 25 Cruickshank Rd, $7.50 per
van/per night, unpowered, (6th & 7th night
free), this includes use of ablution facilities.
Dump Point: Mukinbudin Caravan Park,
25 Cruickshank Rd, Phone: 08 9047 1103
Nungarin
Visitor Information
Nungarin Community Resource Centre,
Railway Ave. Phone: (08) 9046 5400
Casual Parking: (near retail centre) Railway Ave
Short Term Parking: Merredin Rd,
(opp Railway Ave)
Long Term Parking: Shire Recreation Ground,
$5 pvpn unpwr, $15 pvpn pwr, booked &
payable at the Shire Office.
Dump Point: Merredin Rd, opp Radcliffe Park
Quairading
Visitor Information
Shire administration centre, Jennaberring Rd
Phone: (08) 9645 1001
Casual Parking: (near retail centre) Heal St
Short Term Parking: Greater Sports Ground,
Travellers Rest Area, $5 per night, (96hr),
permit from Shire administration centre,
Jennaberring Rd Quairading Caravan Park,
McLennan St
Long Term Parking: Several ‘Rock’ locations
nearby. Enquire at Shire administration centre,
Jennaberring Rd
Dump Point: York Rd, Quairading,
(behind public amenities block)
Trayning
Visitor Information
Shire administration centre, Railway St
Phone: (08) 9683 1001
Casual Parking: Railway St and Twine St,
Trayning administration.
Short & Long Term Parking: Trayning
Caravan Park,Kellerberrin Rd / Bencubbin
Rd & Sutherland St, unlimited parking, 7 sites
avail, full facilities, $7.70 pvpn unpwr, paid to
Shire of Trayning administration centre.
Dump Point: Trayning Caravan Park,
Kellerberrin Rd / Bencubbin Rd & Sutherland St
RV friendly Whea
Photo courtesy
tbel t
CMCA Member
Anita Flynn Q2119
.
RV Friendly Destinations
in the Eastern Wheatbelt
An RV Friendly Destination™ caters for
destinations, such as a tourist attraction,
homestead or country pub that is friendly
towards all mobile travellers.
Westonia
Contact Information
Visitor Information Centre, Wolfram Street
Phone: (08) 9046 7063
Casual Parking: (near retail centre)
Wolfram Street
Short & Long Term Parking: Rectangular
grassed area on Diorite Street adjacent to
Rec Complex. $5 per van/per night,
unpowered & $10 per van/per night, includes
use of ablution facilities.
Mangowine
Contact Information
Karomin Rd, Nungarin. Phone: (08) 9046 5149
Short & Long Term Parking: $5 per van/per
night for self contained vehicles on site, extra
$2 for power, (48hr), length of stay negotiable,
vehicles under 12m only
Opening Times: Mon to Fri: 1pm-4pm
Sat to Sun: 10am-2pm and 1pm-4pm
Opening times can be subject to change,
confirm with the property or National Trust
Headquarters in Perth. Phone: (08) 9321 6088
For more
information
www.cmca.net.au
Bruce Rock RV overflow
16
accommodation
Stay a while
in the
wheatbelt
Ardath
Ardath Hotel
Beacon
Beacon Caravan Park & Barracks
Bencubbin
Bencubbin Caravan Park
Bruce Rock
Bruce Rock Caravan Park
and Backpackers
Bruce Rock Hotel/Motel
Carrabin
Carrabin Roadhouse Hotel/Motel
(08) 9065 1046
0488 025 853
(08) 9685 1202
(08) 9061 1377
(08) 9061 1310
(08) 9046 7162
Corrigin
Corrigin Caravan Park
Corrigin Windmill Motel
0427 632 515
(08) 9063 2390
Dowerin
Dowerin Bed & Breakfast
(08) 9631 1008
Hyden
Wave Rock Caravan Park & Cabins
Wave Rock Country Cottage
Wave Rock Hotel Motel
Wave Rock Resort
17
The Eastern Wheatbelt offers a range of accommodation from
the old style country pub (some with motel rooms), farm stays,
bed and breakfasts and caravan parks in pleasant settings.
The larger towns such as Southern Cross, Merredin and Hyden
have a range of motels and well equipped caravan parks with
on-site accommodation and self contained cabins or units.
The region boasts many RV friendly towns and destinations
as listed in this visitor guide.
(08) 9880 5022
0400 488 821
(08) 9880 5052
(08) 9880 5400
Karlgarin
Tressie’s Caravan Park
(08) 9889 5051
Kellerberrin
Judi’s Place Homestay
Kellerberrin Caravan Park
Kellerberrin Hotel
Kellerberrin Roadhouse Motel
The Prev
(08) 9045 5850
(08) 9045 4006
(08) 9045 5000
(08) 9045 4007
(08) 9045 5195
Kondinin
Kondinin Caravan Park & Chalets
Kondinin Roadhouse Motel
Koorda
Koorda Caravan Park & Yalambee Units
(08) 9889 1006
(08) 9889 1190
(08) 9684 1219
Kulin
Kulin Caravan Park
Kulin Hostel
(08) 9880 1053
0428 882 022
Lake Grace
Lake Grace Hotel
Lake Grace Roadhouse Motel
Lake Grace Saltbush Inn
(08) 9865 1219
(08) 9865 1050
(08) 9865 1180
Lake King
Lake King Tavern Motel
(08) 9874 4048
Merredin
Abby’s Bed & Breakfast
Heritage House
Merredin Bed & Breakfast
Merredin Motel
Merredin Oasis Motel
Merredin Plaza All Suites
Northside Tavern
Merredin Tourist Park
(08) 9041 3499
0413 004 414
(08) 9041 4358
(08) 9041 1886
(08) 9041 1133
(08) 9041 1755
(08) 9041 1635
(08) 9041 1535
Moorine Rock
Moorine Rock Hotel
(08) 9049 1235
Mukinbudin
Mukinbudin Caravan Park
Watsons Way Country Stay
(08) 9047 1103
(08) 9047 0014
Muntadgin
Muntadgin Hotel
(08) 9062 5047
Holland Track Far
m
Narembeen
Narembeen Caravan Park
Newdegate
Hollands Track Farm Bed & Breakfast
Myriadena Motel
and Caravan Park
Nungarin
Nungarin Caravan Park
The Woolshed Hotel
Quairading
Quairading Caravan Park
(08) 9064 7308
(08) 9871 9032
(08) 9871 1685
(08) 9046 5006
(08) 9046 5084
(08) 9645 1001
Southern Cross
Nulla Nulla Farm Retreat
0428 498 010
Railway Tavern
(08) 9049 1030
Southern Cross (08) 9049 1416
Accommodation Village
Southern Cross B&B/Hampton (08) 9040 4034
View Farmstay
Southern Cross Caravan Park (08) 9049 1212
& Motor Lodge
Southern Cross Motel
(08) 9049 1144
Trayning
Trayning Caravan Park
Trayning Hotel Motel
(08) 9683 1001
(08) 9683 1005
Westonia
Westonia Caravan Park
Westonia Tavern
(08) 9046 7063
(08) 9046 7012
Wyalkatchem
Hendry’s Hideaway Bed & Breakfast
Wyalkatchem Hotel
Wyalkatchem Travellers Park
0488 099 053
(08) 9681 1210
0427 814 042
places to eat
Bencubbin
Trace’s Place
Monger Street
(08) 9685 1165
Carrabin
Carrabin Roadhouse
Great Eastern Highway
(08) 9046 7162
Corrigin
Mallee Tree Café & Gallery
Dowerin
Dowerin Bakery
Campbell Street
(08) 9063 2384
Trace’s Place
Lake Grace
Lake Grace Hotel
Stubbs Street
Lake Grace Roadhouse
Stubbs Street
(08) 9865 1219
(08) 9865 1050
Lake King
Lake King Tavern Motel
Varley Road
(08) 9874 4048
Merredin
Café 56
Chicken Treat
Olive Grove Café
Shed Restaurant
Subway
Barrack Street
Great Eastern Highway
Barrack Street
Bates Street
Barrack Street
(08) 9041 5000
(08) 9041 1530
(08) 9041 1713
(08) 9041 1635
(08) 9041 4607
Muntadgin
Muntadgin Hotel
Stewart Street
(08) 9631 1031
Lynch Street
Marshall Street
(08) 9880 5052
(08) 9880 5068
Crosslands Street
(08) 9062 5047
Wave Rock Road
(08) 9880 5182
Kellerberrin
Kellerberrin Hotel
Kellerberrin Roadhouse
Succulent Foods
Narembeen
Narembeen Club
Thomas Street
(08) 9064 7265
Massingham Street
Massingham Street
Massingham Street
(08) 9045 5000
(08) 9045 4007
(08) 9045 5350
Quairading
BP Roadhouse
Quairading Club
York Road
Avon Street
(08) 9645 1230
(08) 9645 1070
Kondinin
CC’s Coffee & Cakes
Kondinin Roadhouse
Jones Street
Graham Street
(08) 9889 1818
(08) 9889 1190
Southern Cross
Dunnings Caltex
Railway Tavern
Great Eastern Highway
Spicia Street
(08) 9049 1168
(08) 9049 1030
Koorda
Koorda IGA
Allenby Street
(08) 9684 1322
Kulin
Kulin Woolshed Café
Trayning
Frankies Diner/Deli
Trayning Hotel Motel
Railway Street
Railway Street
(08) 9683 1091
(08) 9683 1005
Johnston Street
(08) 9880 1275
Westonia
Westonia Tavern
Wolfram Street
(08) 9046 7012
Hyden
Bush Bistro/Sandalwood
Restaurant Hyden Roadhouse
Wildflower Shop
Country Kitchen
18
granite outcrops
Millions of
years in the
making!
Granite outcrops are either inselbergs, (isolated rock
hills or knobs) or monoliths, (a single massive stone
or rock). Erosion usually exposes these geological
formations, which are often made of very hard and solid
metamorphic or igneous rock made from granite. Rising
abruptly from the gently sloping or level surrounding
plain they dominate the surrounding bushland.
Early Europeans saw the water catchment
potential of many of the granite features when
looking for water storage for railway use.
These catchment schemes were particularly
prominent in close proximity to the railway line
as a permanent source of water for the steam
engines. Many have a series of permanent rock
walls and aqueducts which channelled the
rainfall run off into catchment dams and weirs.
These outcrops create a variety of microhabitats
for lichens, mosses and ferns. In hollows, trees
and shrubs take hold and provide seasonal
resources and refuge for a range of animals.
These areas thus have rich biodiversity and
many endemic species.
There are many significant sites that tie
in with Aboriginal cultural heritage in the
Eastern Wheatbelt. Pools of rainwater, known
as gnammas often form in depressions on
granite outcrops. These provide habitat to
aquatic invertebrates and provide freshwater to
other inhabitants. Gnammas and water soaks
associated with granite rock outcrops were
sources of fresh water for Aboriginal people.
The cultural and spiritual connection between
the many granite outcrops, waterways, lake
systems and Aboriginal people have been
maintained for thousands of years. In the past,
these land formations provided many elements
of survival in the form of shelter, food, water,
camping, ceremonies, graves, and paintings and
dreaming stories. All these cultural elements
continue to remain integral to the cultural
domain that shape the way Aboriginal people
continue to live and are essential to the survival
of the oldest living culture in the world.
19
Amazing Elachbut
ting Rock
The following granite outcrops have
significance to the Aboriginal country regions
listed below.
Njaki Njaki Nyoongar country:
Anderson Rocks, Billyacatting Rock, Bruce’s
Rock, Burracoppin Rock, Danberrin Hill,
Eaglestone Hill, Gorge Rock, Jilakin Rock,
Keokanie Rock, Kokerbin Rock, Merredin Peak
(Rock), Mt Walker Rock incorporating (Anderson
Reserve, Twine Reserve & Roe Dam), Sandford
Rock, Talgomine Rock, Totadgin Dam, Wave
Rock (Hyden), Westonia & Boodalin Soak and
Yeerakine Rock.
Gubrun country:
Baladjie Rock, Beringbooding Rock, Billiburning
Rock, Datjoin Rock & Well, Elachbutting Rock, Frog
Rock & Dam, Hunts Soak, Karalee Dam, Keokanie
Rock, Marshall Rock, Sandford Rock, Westonia &
Boodalin Soak and Yanneymooning Reserve.
Ballardong Nyoongar country:
Yorkrakine Rock
Anderson Rock, Hidden Hollow,
Twine Reserve and Roe Dam >
All located off the Narembeen – Mt Walker Road
east of Narembeen. Abundant flora and fauna,
ideal for picnics and bushwalking.
Baladjie Rock >
A popular picnic spot for locals and visitors,
Baladjie Rock is located on the Koorda-Bullfinch
Road 42km north east of Westonia
The extensive granite outcrops are situated in
attractive woodland adjacent to Baladjie Lake.
A climb up the main rock provides a
spectacular view of the nearby lake system
and surrounding landscape.
Baladjie Rock
Beringbooding Rock !B
Located on the corners of Beringbooding Road
and Cunderin Road north east of Mukinbudin,
has the largest rock water catchment tank
in Australia. Beringbooding has an amazing
balancing boulder, a huge gnamma hole and
some of the Kalamaia Tribes paintings of hands
in a cave at the rear of the rock. Two early
pioneer wells are nearby.
Billiburning Rock !B
This outcrop 35km north of Beacon provides
excellent views of both cropping and pastoral
country. Billiburning Reserve displays its beauty
in spring with masses of wildflowers. There is
also a pioneer well and gnamma hole.
Billyacatting Hill B>
Located 9km north of Kununoppin within the
Billyacatting Reserve. This large granite outcrop
has two interpreted walk trails. One loop trail
around base of the rock and one to the peak for
amazing views. Picnic and toilet facilities.
Bruce’s Rock >
Situated 2km from town in a nature reserve on
the Bruce Rock East Road. There are two old
wells located at the picnic site at the foot of the
rock and good walks are to be enjoyed over the
rock outcrop. Barbecue and picnic facilities are
available.
Burracoppin Rock >
Situated 2km south of Burracoppin and is a
popular picnic area. In the lee of the large rock
are the remains of an old house.
Danberrin Hill Reserve !B
A pleasant drive approximately 20km from Hines
Hill past Fisher Rock, north on the Nungarin
Road, this is a mass of wildflowers in season.
Datjoin Rock and Datjoin Well !
Also known as Brockman’s Hide Out where
Brockman, his wife and twelve children took
cover under these rock formations when he
broke parole and was on the run from police
in the 1960’s. A popular picnic spot with an
abundance of orchids in good seasons. Travel
18km east of Beacon on the Burakin-Wialki Road
to the narrow track entrance to the well and
camping areas. No caravan access.
Eaglestone Rock !B
A spectacular natural granite rock and cave
formation north east of Nungarin. Enjoy great
views over Lake Brown (see salt lakes). A good
picnic area with BBQ facilities.
Elachbutting Rock !B
Located 100km north of Westonia or 70km
north east of Mukinbudin on the Echo ValleyElachbutting Road. The name Elachbutting
means “big thing standing”, a prominent
landmark which has excellent views from the
top. It has two spectacular colourful waves, a
40m tunnel “Monty’s Pass”, caused by a rock slide
and a large acoustic cave named “King’s Cave”.
A popular camping and picnic spot surrounded
by natural bushland, it has a unisex toilet, picnic
tables and BBQs. Visitors encouraged to bring
own firewood and take their rubbish with them.
Kokerbin Rock B>
Situated 40km west of Bruce Rock, reputedly
the third biggest monolith in Australia. Explore
the natural bush tracks to discover a wave
wall, Dog Rocks, caves and panoramic views.
Picnic, BBQ and toilet facilities are available. A
free camping/caravan area is being developed
at Kwolyin with toilets, small camper’s kitchen,
BBQ and covered seating areas.
Gorge Rock Natural Pool
Hunts Soak
Located at Lake Koorkoordine, 8km north
of Southern Cross on the Bullfinch Road, on
the Golf Club Common. One more of the
remarkable daisy-chain of wells and rock soaks
which provided the Goldfields Track with water
until O’Connor built his pipeline.
Jilakin Rock >
20km east of Kulin on Holt Rock Road (follow
the Tin Horse Highway). An easy climb to the
top provides spectacular views of Jilakin Lake
and surrounding Wheatbelt. Wildflowers form a
wonderful display in season. Jilakin Rock boasts
the most isolated known stand of jarrah (150km
from the main jarrah belt), surviving on the water
run off and quarry soils at the base of the rock.
A shady picnic spot at rock base.
Karalee Dam !B
The Karalee reservoir, rock catchment and
aqueduct is located 7km off the Great Eastern
Highway 50km east of Southern Cross. A
natural rock formation adapted to maximise
the catchment, delivery and storage of rainwater
that was essential in railway development to the
Goldfields. It’s now a popular picnic and camping
spot on the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail.
Merredin Peak Reserve and Railway Dam >
Off Benson Road Merredin follow the Golden
Pipeline signs. A rock wall was built around the
contours of the peak which led to a 100m channel
and into a 25 million litre capacity storage dam.
This water catchment scheme provided water for
both the town and railway. Two walk trails and a
popular picnic spot with shady trees.
Mollerin Rock !B
Located 50km north of the Koorda townsite on the
Kulja-Mollerin Rock Road, it has picnic and camping
facilities including picnic tables and a toilet. During
late winter and spring this nature reserve has a
picturesque display of wildflowers and beautiful
panoramic view from the top of the rock.
Newcarlbeon Rock !B
Located 20km north of Koorda on Newcarlbeon
Road, during late winter and spring this nature
reserve have a picturesque display of wildflowers,
a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the
rock and an enjoyable picnic area, camping and
toilet facilities.
Sandford Rocks Nature Reserve >
Located 10km north east of Westonia along
Boodarockin Road. This reserve protects 806ha
of granite outcrop with pools, wildflowers, scrub
and woodland. Picnic facilities.
Talgomine-Mt Moore !B
Situated 12km east of Nungarin a large open
rock area with picturesque valley between rocks.
A great wildflower spot in season with BBQ
facilities.
Frog Rock and Dam >
Situated in the Yilgarn Shire off Great Eastern
Highway 25km south east from Moorine Rock.
A small dam is located beneath a wave rock
formation. Frog Rock is a popular picnic spot.
Gorge Rock >
Located 20 kilometres from town, Gorge Rock
is a natural rock pool which was once the local
swimming hole, (before an Olympic pool was
constructed in the townsite). It offers spectacular
panoramic views of the surrounding farmland
and countryside around Corrigin. Enjoy the
short walk through the picturesque bushland to
get to the rock pool.
Marshall Rock !B
Located south east of Bencubbin on Marshall
Rock South Road on the way to Pergandes
sheep yards. There are 360 degree views of the
surrounding productive cropping land.
Karalee Dam
Keokanie Rock
Located 25km north of Bodallin on the
Bodallin North Road. A stop off place on the
way to Baladjie Rock further north. An easy
climb to the summit is rewarded by great views.
No facilities.
Wave Rock & Hyden
The face of Wave Rock appears ready to crash
onto a pre-historic surf, now frozen in time it
stands an impressive 14m high and 110m long.
a little longer, it is also worth seeing the rock at
different times of the day, as the changing sunlight
alters its colours and appearance.
Believed to have formed over 2700 million years
ago, Wave Rock is part of the northern face of
Hyden Rock. The shape of the wave is formed
by gradual erosion of the softer rock beneath
the upper edge, over many centuries. There
are actually several examples of such “waves” in
the Hyden area, and if you have the time, it is
well worth the effort to see some of the other
smaller, but equally spectacular waves.
In addition to being an impressive tourist
attraction, the rock has been utilised for a
catchment for the town’s water supplies, with
a foot-high concrete wall around the upper
edge of Hyden Rock directing rainfall into a
storage dam.
The colours of the Wave are caused by the rain
washing chemical deposits (carbonates and iron
hydroxide) down the face, forming vertical stripes
of greys reds and yellows. If you can stay
Mulkas Cave B>
Located around 30km from Hyden’s Wave Rock,
the name Mulka comes from an Aboriginal
legend believed to be associated with the cave.
Excellent walking trails with interpretation.
Toilets available.
Wave Rock
The Humps B>
20km north of Hyden along the Lovering Road,
is a large granite rock formation using this rock
feature as a water catchment.
King Rocks
Outcrops of granite with wonderful views from
the top of the surrounding country side. Located
east of Hyden following Hyden East Road then
King Rocks Road.
20
Toapin Weir and Rock Catchment >
Located 12km north west of Quairading on
Toapin Weir Road. This weir was listed on the
State Register of Heritage Places in 2012. It was
the largest and most comprehensive privately
constructed reservoir and water scheme in
Western Australia. Built around a natural granite
outcrop and rock basin it offers picnic areas,
BBQ and great views.
Totadgin Dam and Conservation Reserve >
16km south west of Merredin on the Bruce Rock
Road. Large run-off dam and soak well is part of
the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail. Walk trails and
picnic facilities.
Yanneymooning Reserve
Located on the corner of Elachbutting and
Echo Valley Roads 75km north of Westonia,
Yanneymooning is a 513ha reserve comprising
granite rock formations and bushland. The
abundant, ornate dragon lizard (Ctenophurus
ornatus) is an entertaining feature of the
Yanneymooning Rock.
Yeerakine Rock >
Situated 12km from Kondinin. From the top of
the rock outcrop you can enjoy the expansive
views and appreciate the workmanship in the
rock catchment scheme established in 1927 to
provide water for Kondinin.
Yorkrakine Rock B
26km north of Tammin on the Wyalkatchem
Road and standing 341m at highest point, this
solid outcrop provides walkers and climbers with
a scenic view of the surrounding country. Picnic
and toilet facilities.
Wave Rock, Hyden B>
See separate section on Page 20.
Westonia Common and Boodalin Soak
The Westonia townsite is nestled inside a
common of approximately 5,600ha of remnant
bushland. Boodalin soak is situated approximately
6km west from the Westonia townsite. This
historical sight was a resting place for travellers
from York to Kalgoorlie. The well is fenced and
the stonework is an example of a circular dry
stone wall construction.
Rock Cave
Salt Lakes
Geologically the Wheatbelt is an ancient stable
area with a very low drainage profile. The rain
that falls is slow to get away and is held in
large shallow depressions. This leads to lots of
evaporation and the formation of lakes of salt.
Unless the rainfall is very heavy over a number of
seasons many of the lakes are dry for most of the
year. Even in their dry state they offer stunning
scenery and great photo opportunities.
The following salt lakes have significance to
the Aboriginal country regions listed below.
Njaki Njaki Nyoongar country:
Baandee Lake, Lake Magic, Kondinin Lake,
Jilakin Lake, Lake Grace, Wakeman’s Lake, Lake
Brown and Lake Campion.
Ballardong Nyoongar country:
Dowerin Lakes and Pink Lake.
Doodlakine
Lake Baandee B>
A popular ski lake 25km east of Kellerberrin
and east of Doodlakine off the Great Eastern
Highway. The Inland Water Ski Club have created
a pleasant picnic and BBQ area, with swimming
and skiing possible for some months of the year.
The Shire of Kellerberrin has provided ablutions
and shower facilities.
Kondinin
Nungarin Kondinin Lake
A large salt lake 5km west of town and after
sufficient rain there is an abundance of water
birds and ski and sail boat activities. No facilities.
Lake Brown !B
Accessible off the Lake Brown South Road,
north east of Nungarin. When full, it is used
for waterskiing. Eaglestone Hill is on the north
shore of Lake Brown.
Kulin
Jilakin Lake >
20km east of Kulin on Holt Rock Road (follow
the Tin Horse Highway), you will find a shady
picnic spot at the base of Jilakin Rock.
Lake Grace
These two interconnecting salt lakes are located
8km from the townsite. The lakes provide an
amazing sight for onlookers, particularly when
viewed from the lookout.
Narembeen Wakeman’s Lake B>
Located on Soldiers Road, 13km north east of
Narembeen this lake is an ideal waterskiing lake
after a wet winter. Picnic and toilet facilities.
Lake Campion and Plaster Works
Located on Stock Road 40km north east
of Nungarin is an everlasting wildflower spot
in season. No facilities.
Quairading
Pink Lake
Situated 11km east of town, this lake is regarded
locally as a natural phenomenon. At certain
times of the year the left side of the lake has
a distinctive pink colour, whereas the right side
remains blue. No facilities.
Wyalkatchem
Cowcowing Lake
Lies 26 km to the north of Town on the
Wyalkatchem Koorda Road. The Lake gives it
name to the Cowcowing siding and covers an
area of 15,000 hectares. No facilities.
Dowerin
Dowerin Lakes
These were an ephemeral fresh water lake
system based upon early accounts and was
the site for the original settlement of the town
because fresh water existed for grazing and
farming. Today Dowerin Lakes illustrates the
impact that land clearing, rising water tables and
salinity have on farming land. No facilities.
Hyden
Lake Magic
This lake is situated about 1km to the north of Wave
Rock. The water in the lake is clear but salty and the
lake base is made of gypsum and is surrounded by
beach sand around the perimeter. No facilities.
21
Lake Brown
wildflowers
See the
wheatbelt
come alive!
The wildflower season is one of the Eastern Wheatbelt’s most
precious natural treasures attracting visitors, wildflower groups, and
scientists annually. Woodlands are transformed in spring following
significant winter rain as trees, shrubs and annuals produce a
spectacle of colour and scent. To appreciate these remarkable
displays there are many nature reserves with walk trails throughout the
region which are rich in flora species. Season extends July-October.
Verticordia near
Hyden
to a great variety of flora species of which many
are now only confined to nature reserves and
roadside verges in these habitats.
For information on likely areas for wildflower
exploring throughout the region have a look at
our website and follow the links to wildflowers.
Over 980 species have been recorded in the
Shire of Merredin alone. Species of Acacia and
Eucalypt make up the majority but also included
is some 47 species of orchids and numerous
species of Hakea, Grevillea, Verticordia and other
varieties of shrubs.
As flowering of the flora is very dependent on
seasonal conditions and rainfall, please check
closer to the date of your planned visit. For
updates for the current years “wildflower hot
spots” contact the regional visitor centres or visit
www.wheatbelttourism.com.au
The best times for wildflowers in this region
are from mid July through to late October with
different species putting on their displays over
the season. Some orchids and wattles flower as
early as April and May. The mosaic of habitats
in the Eastern Wheatbelt range from open
woodland, granite outcrops, sand plain country
and extensive salt lake systems. These give rise
22
heritage sites
history
abounds
Numerous heritage and military sites throughout the region
tell of its rich history. Explore World War II sites, visit sections of
the Rabbit Proof Fence and follow trails to the goldfields taken
by prospectors and explorers. Fascinating stories in each town
await discovery.
Pioneer Park, M
erredin
Rabbit Proof Fence
The Rabbit Proof Fence was conceived in
an attempt to prevent rabbits entering the
agricultural areas of the State. And what a fence
it was! When finished it stretched 1,827km from
near Hopetoun in the south to Cape Kenaudren,
north of Port Hedland. Work commenced at
Burracoppin in 1902 and that town was a major
depot for the boundary riders employed to
maintain the fence. Gates through the fence
were numbered in miles from Burracoppin.
There were heavy penalties for travellers caught
leaving the gates open (72 days in prison if the
fine was not paid) and for anyone found travelling
along the fence maintenance track (100 pound
fine). A fence west of fence Number 1 was
constructed later and its line is crossed just east
of Cunderdin. Number 3 fence was later built out
of Geraldton to meet Number 2 fence to deter
emus from invading the agricultural areas.
By 1907 the 3 fences were looked after by a staff
of 35, of which 25 of these were fence runners
who had to look after hundreds of miles of fence
line. Their service vehicles were drays pulled
by two camels. They had to clear fallen trees,
replace rotted fence posts and repair damage to
the netting. Water was obtained from wells and
an occasional rain tank. It was virgin bush before
farming and very few roads.
Merredin
Australian General Army Hospital
Located off Benson Road, The remains of the
former field Hospital that was relocated to
Merredin from Gaza Ridge, Palestine in 1942
can be viewed in native bushland adjacent to
Merredin Peak. Extensive interpretation on site.
Aviation Fuel Tanks
These tanks can be viewed from the car park of
the BP Roadhouse on the Great Eastern Highway.
Part of a home has been built on top of the
aviation fuel tanks which sit partly above and partly
below ground. The tanks held six million litres of
fuel used at the Cunderdin Airfield.
23
RAAF No. 10 Stores Depot
Located on the Nungarin-Merredin Road. These
igloo shaped hangars were part of the RAAF
supply stores built in 1943. The depot held
bulk and technical stores, especially radar and
radio spares. Sheets of tin placed on the ground
helped camouflage the site as a salt lake. RAAF
personnel lived in nearby houses with vegetable
gardens and flowers beds rather than barracks,
also as a camouflage technique. The former
officer’s mess is in Bates Street, with the original
kitchen still intact.
Vietnam Veteran’s Reflection Pond Memorial
Located in Roy Little Park, adjacent the Shire
of Merredin administration building, this
monument constructed by Wheatbelt Vietnam
Veterans was dedicated on Long Tan Day,
August 18th 2006, to mark the 40th anniversary
of the Battle of Long Tan.
Nungarin
HF/DF Installation
Located on Merredin-Chandler Road in the
paddock (private property) is the High Frequency
Direction Finding Installation. Its role was to give
advance warning of an impending invasion. It is
believed to have been completed in February 1945.
Ammunition Dumps
Located on Nokanning East Road (gravel
road), are scattered rows of rounded concrete
buildings set in the paddocks (private property).
The 46 concrete igloos were constructed
to house a wide range of munitions. Today
you can still make out the numbers on some
doors. The area would have been guarded by
personnel who lived in approximately 40 timber
framed buildings hidden amongst the trees.
Military Museum
Located on the Great Eastern Highway this
museum contains memorabilia from all major
conflicts since World War 1 and is a great place
from which to start your exploration of the
military history of the Eastern Wheatbelt.
Merredin Military Museum
Mukinbudin Men’s Shed
Situated on Strugnell Street, Mukinbudin call in
and see the “yesteryear on display” with the many
restored agricultural machinery pieces. Just further
along Strugnell Street, marvel at the innovation of
the West Australian farmer and view the home
made 4WD tractor and the relocated heritage silo.
Vietnam Vetrans Reflection Pond Memorial
No. 4 Pump Station
This commanding red brick building was one of
the eight water pumping stations used to pump
water from Mundaring near Perth to Kalgoorlie
in the Goldfields. It is now a stabilised ruin and
one of many of the Golden Pipeline Heritage
Trail interpretation sites.
Pioneer Park
A large bronze statue of an early settler with his
Clydesdale horse and dog from pioneering days
gone by. A great place to unwind, have a picnic
in the shade and get an insight into the history
of the regions farming and social community.
Mukinbudin
Goodchilds Gateway
Located 9km north of Mukinbudin on the
Mukinbudin-Wialki Road. This gateway was
constructed in 1947 by Stan Goodchild, the then
property owner, in memory of his son Harold who
was killed in action in December 1944 while serving
with the RAAF. The two 32 volt lights were originally
powered by wires from the distant homestead.
The gateway was restored in 2003 with the cooperation of the present owners AL and ME
Shadbolt and family and the Shire of Mukinbudin.
No. 5 Army Base Ordnance Depot (5BOD)
This facility was constructed in 1942-43 as part
of Australia’s defence in World War II. It was
considered one of the largest storage facilities
for Army Ordnance in Western Australia at
the time and cost in the vicinity of ten million
pounds. Incorporated in the facility were the
Army Vehicle Workshop (now the Shire depot
and Military Museum), tank workshops, 5
huge storehouses, powerhouse, post office,
administration block, medical facilities, other
workshops, shelters, offices and vehicle parking
areas. The red brick fire walls of the storehouses
remain and can be viewed in the paddocks to
the west of the town.
Nungarin Heritage Machinery and Army
Museum
Located in part of the army vehicle workshop
building, the museum has an array of military
memorabilia including a 10th Light Horse
collection. There is a rare Dingo scout car, Stuart
tank, Bren–gun carrier and various army vehicles
and trucks on display and undergoing restoration.
Southern Cross
WW2 Warplane Crash Site
Located in the Shire of Yilgarn south of Southern
Cross along the Emu Fence Road is a RAAF
Vultee Vengeance dive-bomber crash site. The
plane’s engine was buried ten feet in the earth
and the wreckage strewn over ten acres. The
pilot survived, the navigator has never been
found. More information is available in the
publication ”Vengeance of the Outback”.
New Interpretive Centre
Bencubbin Sandalwood Interpretation Centre
Sandalwooding was the pioneering industry
for the North Eastern Wheatbelt region. The
Sandalwood Interpretation Centre is located at
the Bencubbin Community Resource Centre in
the main street of Bencubbin.
Call in to find out about the history of Sandalwood
in the area and how the wood is used to make a
variety of products. There is also a great range
of Sandalwood products available for purchase if
you want to take home a souvenir.
alwood
Bencubbin Sand
ntre
Ce
ion
Interpretat
Address: Bencubbin Community Resource
Centre, Monger Street, Bencubbin
Phone: 9685 1007
Open: Monday 9:00am-2:30pm
Tues 9:00am-4:00pm
Wed 10:00am-4:00pm
Thurs 9:00am-5 :00pm
Friday 9:00am-2:30pm
Admission: Free
24
museums & collections
A past never
forgotten
A strong thread of history connects the Eastern Wheatbelt
towns from the very early days of exploration, surveying
and the traversing of the region by sandalwood cutters and
prospectors on their way to the goldfields. Today there is a
wealth of history to be explored where towns and railways
sprung up to service the early pioneers.
Bruce Rock
Hyden
Bruce Rock Museum
Exhibits feature district lifestyle in the old bank
building. Wander through the grounds to a
blacksmith’s shop, an authentic one-teacher
school and a replica mud brick cottage with pre
1940’s furnishings.
The Lace Place
This collection dates back to the 1600’s. It
features hand-made and machined lace, antique
gowns and a wedding dress collection, including
an off-cut from the 1981 wedding veil of the
Princess of Wales.
Address: Johnson Street, Bruce Rock
Open: Mon to Fri 2pm-4pm
Admission: Free
Corrigin
Corrigin Pioneer Museum
The collection of tools and restored farm
machinery includes tractors in working order.
See the blacksmith’s shop, the old one room
school, the shearing shed and a collection of
district photographs and other memorabilia.
A wall at the entrance commemorates early
settlers.
Address: Entry from Brookton Highway
Phone: (08) 9063 2246
Open: Sun 2pm-5pm, Wed 1pm-4pm
or by request
Admission: Entry fee applies
Dowerin
Dowerin District Museum
View how settlers lived between 1915-1930’s in
a house furnished from the period and artefacts
from the district. A saddlery shop front contains
early business memorabilia and pioneer history.
Address: Cotterell Street, Dowerin
Phone: (08) 9631 1202
Open: On request at the Shire Office
Admission: Entry fee applies
25
Address: Wildflower shop and Visitors
Information Centre, Hyden
Phone: (08) 9880 5182
Web: www.waverock.com.au
Open: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Entry fee applies
Pioneer Town - Yesteryear Memorabilia Museum
Situated near the base of Wave Rock is the
Pioneer General Store, where there are a variety
of displays, including a General Store of the early
1930’s with such items as tobacco tins, cigars,
pipes and general grocery items.
Address: Wave Rock Road, Hyden
Phone: (08) 9880 5022
Web: www.waverock.com.au
Open: Daily 8:30am – 6pm
Admission: Entry fee applies
Miniature Solider Museum
This amazing collection of over 10,000 pieces
made with original moulds and collected by
Alex Smith displayed in series of the great wars
of the eras including a 6mt long display of the
1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth. See soldiers
at battle including the Napoleonic war, the Zulu
War, the American civil war, the Pacific War, the
Russian War, World War 1 and World War 2.
Marek Brothers
Garage,
Kellerberrin
Wave Rock Wildlife Park
The wildlife park houses a wide range of
Australian animals and exotic birds in a natural
bush environment. See white kangaroos, golden
possums, hairy nosed wombats and get up
and personal with the friendly koalas. Family friendly
with a children’s play area near the Koala enclosure.
Address: Wave Rock Road, Hyden
Phone: (08) 9880 5022
Web: www.waverock.com.au
Open: Daily 9am – 5pm
Admission: Entry fee applies
Kellerberrin
Marek Brothers Garage
A former Blacksmith shop come Holden
dealership from the 60’s to 2004. Now houses
a small collection of Holdens, garagenalia and
memorabilia from days gone by.
Address: 126 Massingham Street, Kellerberrin
Phone: 0409 528 289
Open: On request, generally daily
Admission: Donations Encouraged
Pioneer Museum
A folk museum featuring local memorabilia is
located in the old agricultural hall (built 1897).
A key can be obtained from the shire office.
Pioneer Park has a display of farming implements
and machinery.
Address: Cnr Leake & Bedford Street
Phone: (08) 9045 4006
Open: Mon to Fri
Admission: Free
Address: Wave Rock Road, Hyden
Phone: (08) 9880 5022
Web: www.waverock.com.au
Open: Daily 9am – 5pm
Admission: Entry fee applies
Merredin Museum Railcar
Karlgarin
Nungarin
Nungarin Heritage Machinery
and Army Museum Inc
Tenth Light Horse military armoured vehicles and
many items that support an army in the field are
displayed in Western Australia’s only remaining
WWII No. 5 Army Base Ordnance Depot. In
addition to militaria, dolls and matchbox toys
are featured and an outstanding agricultural
equipment collection reflects early settlers’ lives.
Tressie’s Museum
A collection of pioneer farming tools and
equipment. A working display of
gramophones and 78 records is also a feature.
Open: 8am-5pm.
Park resident’s tours at 8:30am and 4pm daily.
Admission: $3 per person
Address: Military Drive, Nungarin
Phone: (08) 9046 5108
Open: Mon to Fri 9am-12pm
and 2pm-5pm. Weekends by appointment.
Admission: Entry fee applies
Karlgarin
Tel: (08) 9889 5043
Tressie’s Caravan Park reception
4313 Kondinin-Hyden Road
Koorda
Koorda and Districts Museum
Housed in the old hospital buildings the museum
features displays of medical instruments and
hospital equipment. Early settler personal effects
and equipment, photographs and machinery
are also on display.
Address: Ninghan Road, Koorda
Phone: (08) 9684 1219
Open: By appointment
Admission: $1
Kulin
Butler’s Garage (Kulin Museum)
Built in the 1920’s and originally operating as
Butler’s Garage, it has been restored to house
the town’s museum.
Address: 77 Johnstone Street, Kulin
Phone: 0429 801 024
Open: By appointment
Admission: Free
Lake Grace
Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum
One of three remaining Australian Inland
Mission Hospitals and the only one in WA, this
museum will take you back to some of the old
style medical wards and artefacts of an early
twentieth century rural hospital.
Address: Parking off Stubbs Street, next to
Apex Park, Lake Grace. Walk, following the
Penny Pathway to the Museum.
Phone: (08) 9865 2140
Open: By appointment
Admission: Entry by donation
Lake Grace Australian Inland Mission Hospital
Merredin
Merredin Railway Museum
An extensive display of railway memorabilia and rolling
stock including the 1897 locomotive that hauled the
Kalgoorlie Express. You can also see the early
history of the Merredin area including the Pioneer
Women’s Room and Memorial Rose Garden.
Merredin Military Museum
A fine collection of memorabilia, uniforms, vehicles
and equipment, some restored to working order
relating to most conflicts from World War I.
Address: Great Eastern Highway, Merredin
Mobile: 0429 411 204
Open: Mon to Sat 10am-3pm Sun by appointment.
Admission: Entry fee applies
Narembeen
Grain Discovery Centre
A modern interpretative discovery centre focusing
on the story of WA’s grain industry from the
paddock to the plate. It features brilliant visual and
interpretive displays, interactive touch screens,
ipads and audios on the agriculture industry.
Address: In the Narembeen Roadhouse
Phone: (08) 9064 7315
Open: Mon to Sun 9am - 5pm
Admission: Gold coin donation
Narembeen Historical Society
A family history centre with family files and
photos, a machinery display centre and R.S.L Hall
(opposite Narembeen Community Shed) and the
Church Museum.
Address: Narembeen CRC, Churchill Street
Narembeen
Phone: (08) 9064 7055
Open: By appointment, Narembeen Community
Resource Centre or Narembeen Road House.
Phone: (08) 9064 7055
Admission: Entry by donation
Newdegate
Hainsworth Museum
The Hainsworth Building houses the Newdegate
Pioneer Museum. The building was commissioned
by Charles Hainsworth, its first owner, and was
built by Ted Freeland, originally a ships carpenter,
during 1933/34 as a general store and tearoom.
The building operated as a General store from
1934 until 1972 and had several owners during
that period. The museum is a great example of
early settler life in the area.
Address: Corner of Mitchell
and Collier Streets, Newdegate
Phone: 0409 606 207
Open: By appointment
Admission: Gold coin donation
Mangowine Homestead /National Trust
of Australia (W.A)
Once an important wayside stop for the
travellers to the goldfields this settler homestead
is one of the best preserved complexes of
early farm homesteads (c.1876) in the Eastern
Wheatbelt. An interpretive walk trail takes you
from the homestead to a wayside inn, cellars,
wells and the site of an old barn and family
grave. Caravans and camping welcome.
Address: 737 Karomin North Road
Phone: (08) 9046 5149
Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 1pm-4pm
& Sat, Sun 10am-4pm
Admission: Entry fee applies
Southern Cross
Southern Cross and Yilgarn Districts
Historical Museum
Walk through the 1890’s courthouse and mining
registry buildings where Paddy Hannan took
out his Miner’s Right and Arthur Bayley registered
his reward claim for Coolgardie to absorb
the rich history of this gold mining and farming
district. You will see the working model of a
gold battery, a camel wagon, the local burial
register and a fascinating collection of minerals,
machinery, photographs, documents and
domestic memorabilia.
Address: 28 Antares Street, Southern Cross
Open: Weekdays 9:30am-12pm
and 1:30pm-4pm, Sat 9:30am-12pm
Admission: Entry fee applies
Wyalkatchem
Wyalkatchem CBH Agricultural Museum
Housed in one of the few 1936 type
wheatbins that have been preserved along
with a collection of agricultural, transport and
railway exhibits. Two general purpose sheds
house a collection of restored and working
order tractors such as a rare Marshal MP 6
and an American Waterloo Boy and vehicles
from the 1920’s.
Address: Railway Terrace, Wyalkatchem
Phone: (08) 9681 1036
Open: Mon to Sat 10.30am - 3.30pm
Sun 10.30am - 4.00pm
Guided Tours: Bookings required
Yelbeni
Centenary Museum
Developed in 2002 the museum is an informative
collection of local history through photos,
plaques and vintage farm machinery.
Address: Twine Street, access through the
Yelbeni Store.
Phone: (08) 9682 5012
Open: Shop opening hours.
Admission: Free
Address: Great Eastern Highway, Merredin
Phone: (08) 9041 3370
Open: Weekdays 10am to 1pm,
Sat 9am-12pm and Sun 11am-2pm
Admission: Entry fee applies
Hainsworth Museum, Newdegate
26
arts & culture
Creativity
at its best
The vast Wheatbelt landscape, history and natural environment
has inspired many regional artists and crafts people. The
Eastern Wheatbelt boasts many arts and crafts groups, annual
art prizes, repertory clubs and community sheds providing
hubs of creativity. Cultural venues like Cummins Theatre, Bruce
Rock Amphitheatre and other regional outdoor entertainment
centres host many annual live productions and films.
Tin Horse Highwa
y
Cummins Theatre - Merredin
This heritage listed theatre on Bates Street
has been a proud fixture in Merredin’s cultural
history since it was relocated from Coolgardie
in 1927.
Originally for film screening, Cummins Theatre
was one of the first venues to show “talking”
pictures in the Commonwealth and for many
years was considered state of the art in its field.
The theatre owes its existence in Merredin
to James Cummins, who was the Mayor of
Kalgoorlie and owner of both the Merredin and
Kalgoorlie breweries. Mr Cummins purchased
the Tivoli Theatre, which had been built in
Coolgardie in 1897, and had it dismantled
and sent in pieces to Merredin by train. Here,
the thirty year old theatre was rebuilt where
it stands today on Bates Street. Renamed
in honour of its founder, Cummins Theatre
opened to the public on 10th October, 1928.
Cummins Theatre had extensive conservation
work completed in September 2010 and now
holds a wide variety of touring productions,
theatrical and musical performances.
Weekday tours of the theatre can be arranged
with the manager. For event info and bookings
www.cumminstheatre.com.au
27
Lake Grace Regional Artspace
Drop into the Lake Grace Regional Artspace
and immerse yourself creativity with the current
major exhibition or view quality regional art
in the window box exhibition. Admire and
purchase original artworks for your family and
friends from our artist’s gift shop. Have a chat
with interesting local artists and members of the
Lake Grace Artists’ Group each Tuesday or join
in and learn some secrets with an art experience
workshop. We are located on the main street
(right next to the visitor centre) and are open
daily 10am-4pm during exhibitions. To find
out what’s on now, go to www.facebook.com/
LakeGraceRegionalArtspace or check out our
website www.lakegraceartspace.org Arts & Crafts
arts & crafts
Kulin Ga
llery and
Studio
Bruce Rock
Kulin
Narembeen
Bruce Rock Craft Shop
Local arts and crafts.
Kulin Gallery and Studio
Managed by artist in residence Carol Griffin.
Narembeen Art and Craft
Call in for a visual delight of local arts and crafts.
Address: 36 Johnson Street, Bruce Rock
Phone: (08) 9061 1753
Open: Mon to Fri 9:30-4:30pm
and Sat 9am-12 pm
Corrigin
Corrigin Craft Shop
The craft shop sells local hand made crafts.
Address: Goyder Street, Corrigin
Phone: (08) 9063 2117
Open: Thu and Fri 10am-4pm
and Sat 9am-12pm
Hyden
Wildflower Shoppe
The centre has a wide range of Australiana
souvenirs for sale, including emu, tea tree and
lanolin oils, Iron ore jewellery, wool products
and clothing.
Address: Wildflower shop and Visitors
Information Centre, Hyden
Phone: (08) 9880 5182
Web: www.waverock.com.au
Open: Daily 9am-5pm
Kellerberrin
Black Ant Gallery
Artwork by local artist Sean Conway.
Address: Massingham Street, Kellerberrin
Open: Viewing by appointment.
Phone: (08) 9045 5639
Admission: Free
Old With Style
Antiques and collectables.
Address: 54 Massingham Street, Kellerberrin
Phone: (08) 9045 4738
Open: Wed to Sun 10am-4pm
Address: Kulin Railway Station, Old Williams
Kondinin Road, Kulin
Phone: (08) 9880 1081 (Carol Griffin)
Open: Fri 10:30am-4pm
Admission: Free
Tin Horse Highway
Australia’s most unique open air gallery.
Experience arts and culture of a very equine kind
as you marvel at over 70 quirky tin horses built
by local farmers.
Location: Stretches 15 kms east from Kulin
along the Kulin-Holt Rock Rd
Phone: 08 9880 1021 (Kulin Community
Resource Centre and Visitor Information)
Website: www.kulin.wa.gov.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
TinHorseHighway
Open: All year round! FREE
Lake Grace
Lake Grace Visitor Centre
Housed in the delightfully restored Station
Masters House, the Lake Grace Visitor Centre
showcases an exquisite range of locally made
products and artworks.
Address: Stubbs Street, Lake Grace
Phone: (08) 9865 2140
Open: Mon to Sun 9:30am-4:30pm
Admission: Free
Merredin
Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre
Seasonal display with a selection of enticing regional
arts, crafts, produce, jewellery and publications
from people with a passion for their crafts.
Address: 85 Barrack Street, Merredin
Phone: (08) 9041 1666 or 1300 736 283
Open: Mon to Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm,
Open Sat and Sun April - October
Website: www.wheatbelttourism.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
CWVCMerredin
Address: Narembeen Community Shed and
Gallery, 30 Churchill Street, Narembeen
Phone: 0488 441 910
Open: Mon to Fri and Sat Mornings
Admission: Free
Nungarin
Sisterbloom Arts & Crafts
Homemade flower baskets, gift baskets, natural
soaps & candles including toys, gifts and clothes
Address: Railway Parade, Nungarin
Phone: 0467 322 545
Open: Mon to Fri 10am-4pm
and Sat 10am -1pm
Shackleton
Steve’s Art Studio & Sculpture Park
Browse through the studio, wander around the
newly established gardens to view Paintings,
Garden Art and Sculptures created by local artist
Steven Van den Ende. Sit and enjoy a cuppa
at Floe’s Place while taking in the beautiful
surrounding countryside.
Address: Cnr Jermyn & Parry Streets,
Shackleton
Phone: 0408 162 688
Facebook: Steve’s Art Studio & Sculpture Park
Official Opening Times Studio: Thurs - Sun
9am-5pm (Light refreshments available)
Sculpture Park: 7 days a week.
Admission: Free
Wyalkatchem
Wyalkatchem Cottage Craft
Local Arts and Crafts. Devonshire teas available.
Address: Cnr of Railway Terrace & Riches St
Phone: (08) 9681 1461 or (08) 9681 1370
Open: Fri 10am-1:30pm or by appointment
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safety tips
Travel
safely
Outdoor activities can be hazardous and suitable safety
precautions should be taken at all times. For a safe and enjoyable
trip please consider the following travel tips and information.
Driving Tips
Self driving through the Eastern Wheatbelt may
take you into some remote areas where forward
planning is extremely important to ensure your
experience is safe, enjoyable and memorable.
The following is a list of safety tips to assist you:
Road Trains
Road trains are common along many regional
Western Australian highways and in particular
the mining and agricultural areas. Road trains
can often have up to four trailers and on the
open road can travel at speeds up to 100kph.
• Always tell someone where you are going,
your return dates and your itinerary.
• Make sure your vehicle is in top mechanical
condition.
• Check road conditions before departure.
Rain can make some tracks and roads
impassable. When travelling on unsealed
roads, exercise caution and ‘read’ the road
well ahead of the vehicle.
• Carry extra food, water, fuel and vehicle
spares if you are travelling on remote tracks.
• In event of a breakdown in a remote
location, remain with your vehicle.
• The outback can be very hot in summer so if
you are travelling at this time of the year make
sure you are carrying plenty of drinking water.
• Roads and tracks on private property should
not be used without the landholder’s
permission. Leave gates as you found them.
• Take care at all railway crossings. Train
movements can be irregular and not all
crossings have flashing lights.
• Large slow-moving agricultural machinery
may be encountered on highways and local
roads, so take care when overtaking.
• Dust can obscure vision when travelling or
passing on dirt roads.
• Beware of wandering livestock and wildlife,
especially at dusk and dawn when visibility
may be poor and they become more active.
• Be prepared! Pack a first-aid kit.
• Slow down on corrugated dirt roads
and always drive at a speed suited to the
prevailing conditions.
Railway Crossings
In the Eastern Wheatbelt there are many public
railway crossings for motorists to negotiate. The
density and frequency of rail traffic often depends
on the size of the grain harvest and the economic
climate. This increased activity makes an impact
in the safety stakes. Do not become blasé about
the likelihood of encountering rail traffic. The
main thing to remember is that trains always have
right of way. Allocation of protection is based on
frequency of road and rail traffic, and visibility on
approach to the crossing, these include:
• Give Way signs;
• Stop signs;
• Flashing Lights;
• Boom Barriers and
• Bridges or Tunnels.
Potable Water
Granite outcrops and lakes do not guarantee
water and if there, the quality of the water
cannot be assured. Always carry ample fresh
water for drinking and camping.
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Always drive safely
And it’s worth remembering that trains run
24 hours a day to get their product to port as
efficiently as possible. So don’t put your life on
the line - watch out for trains.
Travelling with Pets
Some caravan parks do not accept pets. Be sure
to contact caravan parks in advance to identify
those that are pet friendly. Domestic pets are not
permitted in most national parks, conservation
parks, nature reserves, marine parks and marine
nature reserves.
1080 Baiting
Please be advised that baiting programs using
1080 poison are carried out across pastoral
leases and Department of Parks and Wildlife
(DPaW) parks and reserves to control wild dogs,
foxes, feral cats, feral pigs and rabbits. Exercise
caution when visiting these areas. Domestic
pets should be kept close and under control
at all times. Owners may consider the use of
muzzles for their domestic pets.
Nature and Wildlife
When bushwalking or visiting nature reserves
and parks do not disturb wildlife, remove plants,
rocks or aboriginal artefacts. In warmer months
watch out and stay clear of snakes. Always have
a well equipped first-aid kit nearby and know
how to use it in case of emergencies.
Disclaimer
Whilst every care has been taken in compiling
this publication, the publishers and the
sponsoring shires accept no responsibility for
any errors or omissions that may occur, or any
loss, damage and inconvenience caused by
errors and omissions. The information set out
was correct at the time of printing and can be
subject to change without notice.
Mobile Phones
Telstra – there is still no total coverage for
Telstra Next G on the Great Eastern Highway
between towns or on country roads in the
Eastern Wheatbelt. Website for feedback
www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/
coverage-networks/coverage-feedback/)
Please be aware there is still very limited or
no range for other mobile phone providers
outside the capital cities.
Local Radio 1098 AM, 105.1 FM
For Emergencies Only Call 000
more information
Visitor Centres throughout the
region are great sources of
local information. If you’d like
to know more about the region
for your travel plans contact:
Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre
85 Barrack Street, Merredin WA
Phone: (08) 9041 1666 or 1300 736 283
Email: visitor@merredin.wa.gov.au
Website: www.wheatbelttourism.com
Bencubbin Community Resource Centre
(08) 9685 1007
bencubbin@crc.net.au
Mukinbudin Shire Offices
(08) 9047 1102
admin@mukinbudin.wa.gov.au
Community Resource Centre (08) 9047 1129
mukacrc@westnet.com.au
Bruce Rock Community Resource Centre
(08) 9061 1687
roctel@wn.com.au
Narembeen Community Resource Centre
(08) 9064 7055
narembeen@crc.net.au
Beacon
Beacon Visitor Centre
(08) 9686 1014
beacon@crc.net.au
Corrigin
Community Resource Centre
(08) 9063 2778
corrigin@crc.net.au
Dowerin
Community Resource Centre
(08) 9631 1662
dowerin@crc.net.au
Wave Rock Visitor Centre
(08) 9880 5182
waverock@wn.com.au
Kellerberrin Community Resource Centre
(08) 9045 4991
coordinator@kecrc.org.au
Kondinin
Shire Offices
(08) 9889 1006
enquiries@kondinin.wa.gov.au
Koorda Koorda Visitor Centre
(Community Resource Centre)
(08) 9684 1081 or (08) 9684 1219
koorda@crc.net.au
Kulin
Community Resource Centre
(08) 9880 1021
resourcecentre@kulin.wa.gov.au
Lake Grace Lake Grace Visitor Centre
(08) 9865 2140
lgvisitorscentre@westnet.com.au
Drop into the shop at Central
Wheatbelt Visitor Centre, Merredin
Contact the Central Wheatbelt
Visitor Centre on (08) 9041 1666
Shire Offices
(08) 9064 7308
to obtain a range of brochures,
admin@narembeen.wa.gov.au
maps and guides to plan your
Nungarin
Community Resource Centre visit to the Eastern Wheatbelt.
(08) 9046 5400
nungarin@crc.net.au
Quairading
Visitor Centre
(08) 9645 1001
Southern
Shire Offices
Cross
(08) 9049 1001
yilgarn@yilgarn.wa.gov.au
Tammin
Shire Offices
(08) 9637 1001
shire@tammin.wa.gov.au
Trayning
Shire Offices
(08) 9683 1001
admin@trayning.wa.gov.au
Westonia
Shire Offices
(08) 9046 7063
shire@westonia.wa.gov.au
Wyalkatchem Wyalkatchem CRC
and Visitors Centre (08) 9681 1500
wyalkatchem@crc.net.au
The Eastern Wheatbelt Visitors’ Guide was printed in November 2013.
30
Kellerberrin: Highway1 : Route 94
The perfect venue for meeting, eating and sleeping, and an ideal base
from which to experience and explore the Eastern Wheatbelt.
Historic 1928 built venue
Accommodates 45 guests. Includes self contained, wheelchair friendly Hillside Cottage.
Large deck seats 120 guests looking out the majestic Kellerberrin Hill by day and the sparkling Milky Way by night.
5 tranquil acres nestled beside Kellerberrin Hill, an awesome nature reserve and ‘playground’ with views to delight.
Ideal for functions and seminars or individuals on their own journey of exploration. A place to relax and rejuvenate.
Innovative and flexible catering using the best local ingredients including produce from The Prev’s orchard and kitchen garden.
Group tours available. Farm, Cultural, Granite Outcrops, Picnics.
Prospector train service runs daily to Kellerberrin from Perth and Kalgoorlie.
1 George St Kellerberrin | Tel: (08) 9045 5195 | Mobile: 0427 063 638 | www.theprev.com.au
Photos courtesy: Angie Roe Photography and 28 Productions