Toodyay - Northam - York
| Toodyay | Today we go back in history and trace the early farming days of the colony of Western Australia. Our tour takes us to three towns which were the centres for the early days of agriculture. The first town we visit is Toodyay which was established in 1836. A pretty little town on the Avon River, it has a number of well preserved buildings which date back to those first days. Conners Mill was the first flour mill in the district and is now the visitors centre. Close by is the Old Newcastle Gaol which was built by convict labour in 1867. It now houses a museum. [Toodyay in Wikipedia] [Toodyay Visitor Centre] |
| Northam | Our next stop is Northam, Northam has an even earlier history than Toodyay as it was settled in 1836, also on the banks of the Avon River. As well as an important centre for wheat and sheep, it was also a stopping point for prospectors heading to the Kalgoorlie/Coolgardie Goldfields. The Graves of First Pioneers in the Northam Cemetery reflects some of the turbulent history of the district when settlers clashed with local Aboriginal people. There are two excellent museums in Northam. Morby Cottage, which was the first house built in the town and now houses the settler's museum, and the Old Railway Station Museum which reflects the importance of Northam as a significant railway town in the early days. [Northam in Wikipedia] [Shire of Northam] |
| York | Our third stop is at York, the very first inland town established in 1831 by settlers. York is a charming town as is evident when we drive down the main street and see the buildings, most of which were built in the mid to late 19th century. The town contains several museums and is a major tourist attraction. [York Visitor Centre] [York, Western Australia] |
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