As many Western Australians are taking the opportunity to travel around our great state during the border lockdown, just as many are seeking alternative destinations to the usual down south and North of Perth options. One of our most unique and beautiful areas is closer than you think, the Wheatbelt.
WA’s Wheatbelt geographically stretches from the West coast areas of Jurien Bay down to Gingin, East out to Southern Cross, North to Dalwallinu and Mount Marshall stretching all the way south west to Darkan and South East to Lake Grace. Spanning 154,862 square kilometres, 43 shires and home to approximately 75,000 people it is equivalent in size to the entire south island of New Zealand! Full of natural beauty, rugged landscapes, unique flora and fauna, historical towns stopped in time and perfectly manicured farms, there really is so much to do.
We have put together a list of our top ten favourite Wheatbelt towns below.
1. Brookton
Brookton is the gateway to the southern wheatbelt and being just 100km’s from Perth is the ideal day trip destination. Visit Boyagin Rock, 9 Acre Rock and Boyagarra Pool, all located not far from town and take in the stunning rich, productive surrounding agricultural countryside as you drive there.
Visit brookton.wa.gov.au
2. Beverley
The heritage wheatbelt town of Beverley is a hidden gem in the Avon Valley. A relaxed agriculture setting to discover at your own pace but full of art, nature, historic buildings, a brand new family nature play and skate park and much more. Looking for something different? Try the thrill of gliding in a motorless glider over the Avon Valley with the Beverley Soaring Society.
Visit beverleywa.com
3. York
York is the oldest inland town in WA and features some of our state’s very best architecture from the mid to late 1800’s. Only a short drive from Perth it is full of top quality accommodation options, eateries and many activities. Be sure to check out the old York gaol and the York Motor Museum.
Visit york.wa.gov.au
4. Kulin
Famous for the quirky Tin Horse Highway, annual Bush Races event and giant waterslide, the vibrant Kulin region provides a true rural experience. Kulin is also the perfect base to explore the Eastern Wheatbelt. Easy day trips can be made to many of the region’s unique and iconic sights including Wave Rock.
Visit kulin.wa.gov.au/main/tourism/welcome
5. Bruce Rock
Bruce Rock is located in the heart of the Wheatbelt, 245km east of Perth. It’s a thriving agricultural town with an approximate population of 700 people. Enjoy the picturesque main street, gardens, amphitheatre and sculpture park, historic buildings, museums, federation style verandas and great facilities in addition to the amazing natural attractions including Kokerin Rock, Australia’s 3rd biggest monolith.
Visit brucerock.wa.gov.au/visit/about-bruce-rock/about-the-shire.aspx
6. Quairading
This beautiful town just 167km east of Perth on the York-Quairading Road is truly a hidden gem. High in community spirit, Quairading locals are super welcoming of visitors and delight in sharing their favourite attractions! A stroll through the wildflowers to Nookaminnie Rock at the Quairading Nature Reserve in spring time, a hike to the top of Toapin Weir for scenic vistas all year round and stopping for a photo of El Toro, the grand metal sculpture by Jordan Spriggs are among the must-dos.
Follow @VisitQuairadingWA on Instagram for more.
7. Wickepin
Wickepin is tiny and therein lies the attraction. It is a small jewel of a town hiding in the Wheatbelt and along with the towns of Harrismith, Yealering, Tincurrin and the Toolibin Lake, make up the Shire of Wickepin. Be sure to visit the Albert Facey Homestead which celebrates the life of Albert Facey, and his bestselling autobiography ‘A Fortunate Life’. This is a unique opportunity to view and reflect on the harsh and simple lifestyle in the early 1920s. Wickepin has abundant and unique wildflowers as well for the avid nature lover.
Visit australiasgoldenoutback.com/destination/wickepin
8. Beacon
Beacon is a vibrant town located in the Shire of Mt Marshall, notably the farthest north-easterly town in the Wheatbelt. Offering a variety of services and facilities, you’ll be sure to find all the essentials you need during your stay with us. Experience our peaceful region, explore acres of pastoral countryside, unique granite outcrops, and an abundance of native flora, fauna and birdlife. The beauty of the clear night skies and endless stars must be seen to be believed. Take some time out from the rest of the world and hit the open road!
Visit beaconwa.com.au/about
9. Merredin
Merredin is the largest regional centre in the eastern Wheatbelt, a comfortable 2.5 hrs drive east of Perth and 3.5 hrs west of Kalgoorlie, following the National Trust’s epic Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail. With a vibrant CBD and many choices for places to eat you can easily spend a couple of days here as you explore the Collgar Wind Farm, Cummins Theatre and much more.
Visit wheatbelttourism.com/where-to-stay/merredin
10. Dumbleyung
At 13km long Lake Dumbleyung is not only a site to behold but has a big history being where Brit Donald Campbell broke the world and land water speed record in 1964. Be sure to visit the Bluebird Precinct to find out all about the very special moment in WA history.
Visit dumbleyungshire.com
