tourist attractions wheatbelt wa

The West Australian

Top 10 things to see and do in the Wheatbelt

With its border just over an hour away from Perth and spanning a mind-blowing 150,000 square kilometres, the Wheatbelt has an endless range of attractions. From gigantic rock formations to the iconic Rabbit Proof Fence, it makes for the ideal weekend getaway.

1. Wave Rock

Let’s face it, everybody’s heard of Wave Rock. But how many people have actually been? Wave Rock is an ancient granite formation that has been around for over 65 million years - since Australia was still attached to Antarctica. It’s a whopping fifteen metres high, with the rock’s cresting wave resulting from centuries of buffeting by wind and water.

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2. Tin Horse Highway

En route to Wave Rock and based in Kulin, this 15 kilometre stretch of road is a free, fun, open-air gallery of tin horses that celebrates the infamous annual Kulin Bush Races. Created by the locals out of farm bits and bobs, new horses keep mysteriously appearing every year. Giddyup.

3. Cunderdin Museum and its simulated ‘Earthquake House’

If you’re heading out Kalgoorlie way, stop in at this fantastic rural museum. Experience first-hand what the town’s devastating 1968 earthquake must have felt like in the Earthquake House, and check out the WWII tank and Tiger Moth plane.

4. Rabbit Proof Fence

If you’ve seen the iconic Australian movie, then this should definitely be on your bucket list. Just past Merredin and on the way to Kalgoorlie stands Rabbit Proof Fence No. 2, a long stretch of wire and wood fencing that runs for 3,256 kms from Starvation Boat Harbour in the south to Cape Keraudren in the north. It was erected in 1908 to prevents rabbits from entering Western Australia.

5. Pioneers’ Pathway (self-drive)

Follow our early gold prospectors on their way to Kalgoorlie by taking a scenic driving getaway from Toodyay to Merredin. Enjoy a cool dip in their original watering hole, Tin Dog Creek, or treat yourself to an old-style country lunch at Wyalkatchem Pub.

6. Elachbutting Rock

Just as awe-inspiring as its more popular sister Wave Rock, this rock formation comes with the added benefits of a breathtaking thirty metre tunnel and a cave. Due north-east of Merredin and just out of Mukinbudin, it’s also a top spot for camping and checking out the local wildlife.

7. Wheatbelt Way (self-drive)

Looping around the spectacular northern Wheatbelt and starting and ending in Dowerin, this self-drive will take you through quaint country towns and natural rock formations. Check out the old wells in Minnivale and Wyalkatchem that were built in the 1800s.

8. Golden Pipelines Heritage Trail (self-drive)

Following the longest freshwater pipeline in the world, engineered by CY O’Connor the drive will take you all the way to Kalgoorlie, stopping off at the sites where steam-driven pump stations once kept the water flowing.

9. Pathways to Wave Rock (self-drive)

There’s plenty of attractions surrounding the famous rock, such as the spectacular salt lakes around Lake Grace, a smattering of wineries and Kokerbin Rock, the third largest monolith in Australia.

10. One To Watch: Wildflowers

From July to October, the Wheatbelt transforms into a riot of colour when over 980 species of wildflower come into bloom.

Explore the colourful region of the Wheatbelt, home to many of WA’s unique attractions and historic charm. Plan your weekend adventure here .

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The Wheatbelt

Destination information.

The Wheatbelt is a patchwork of golden fields, character townships, pioneering history, fun farm stays, festivals and self drive experiences. If you are heading to The Wheatbelt, be sure to visit one or all of these places on  Australia's Golden Outback . 

Remote area travel

Australia's Golden Outback is remote - many parks are not accessible by conventional road vehicle, and some places cannot be reached overland in any vehicle.

If you don't have a 4WD or don't want to drive here, there are a number of companies in the regional centres that rent them. If you travel independently make sure you're familiar with all the advice and references for further information in the Know before you go  section. Away from parks and main roads, you may need the permission of traditional owners  or pastoral station managers  for access.

From July to early November the Wheatbelt comes alive with everlastings, acacia, hakea, grevillea, leschenaultia, wreath flowers and orchids. Wildflowers are dependent on seasonal rain, so check with Visitor Centres before heading off to explore.

Commercial operators are licensed to provide a range of tours including nature and sightseeing tours. Search for tours at  Tourism Western Australia .

Kokerbin Nature Reserve

It’s time to Rock 'n' Roll. Discover the third largest monolith in Australia!

Korrelocking Nature Reserve

Carpets of wildflowers in spring! 

Toolibin Nature Reserve

Toolibin Nature Reserve is top of the class. Well the waterbirds think so!

Yorkrakine Rock Nature Reserve

One of the Wheatbelt's many windswept granite outcrops

Wheatbelt Attractions

Cummins Theatre

Pioneers' Pathway

Hoddywell Archery Park

Tourist Information Centre

Beverley Aviation Museum

Katanning Tourist Information Centre

Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre

Mangowine Homestead

Lake Yealering

Kellerberrin Tourist Centre

Kellerberrin

Koorda Community Resouce Centre

Beverley Tourist Information Centre

Dryandra Country Visitors Centre

Toodyay Emu Farm

Quindanning Hotel

Boyup Brook Tourist Association

Boyup Brook

Toodyay Visitors Centre

The Shire of Bruce Rock

Lake Grace Visitor Centre

Some popular suburbs, some popular areas, expand your search to:.

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The Wheatbelt

Time Out says

North of Perth is where you'll find some of the most incredible wildflower displays in the world. At the start of winter, wildflowers begin to make their way down into the northern Wheatbelt, with rainbow wildflowers and the canola fields alike bursting into bright yellow bloom across the region. The northwestern wheatbelt is known as 'Wildflower Country', and its festoons of multicoloured flowers give reason for its name. The northeastern wheatbelt includes parts of the Golden Outback, and stretches out to the coast, and is washed by bright carpets of everlastings and wreath flowers. A great way to make sure you see as many wildflowers in WA as possible is on the three-day Wildflower Way roadtrip.

Best time to see them : August to October

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Merredin Tourist Attractions

The top things to do and see in and around the wheatbelt.

The town of Merredin is situated approximately 260 kilometres east of Perth and is the major commercial and retail centre for the Eastern Wheatbelt. Wildflowers and granite rocks are picturesque natural environmental features of the area. Details of tours are available at the Park.

Local attractions

The region is known for agriculture; approximately 40% of Western Australia’s wheat production comes from a 100km radius around Merredin.  Sheep farming is also popular in the region, along with production of many grains other than wheat.

Attractions in and around Merredin include the historic Cummins Theatre, Merredin Peak, Merredin Railway Water Tower, museums, art gallery, the longest grain storage facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the remains of military installations from the town’s role as second line of defence, during World War II.  

Hot, dry summers and mild winters are enjoyed with an average maximum temperature of 24.7°C and an average minimum temperature of 10.6°C. The temperature remains in the low 30’s or above between December and February.

Weather conditions in Merredin are well suited to aviation pursuits; the Merredin Areodrome owned by China Southern West Australian Flying College specialises in training commercial airline pilots.

Things to do and things to see in Merredin

Check out some of the great things that you can see or do on your visit to Merredin or the Wheatbelt region

PUBLIC Silo Trail - Merredin

The mural joins silo artworks in Northam, Newdegate, Ravensthorpe, Pingrup and Albany, which together form a self-drive trail for tourists and travellers to take through regional Western Australia.

The Golden pipeline

Follow the famous Golden Pipeline from Perth through Merredin, stop off and view an original piece in Merredin Tourist Park.

Cummins Theatre

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. The Theatre owes its existence in Merredin to Mr James Cummins, who was the Mayor of Kalgoorlie and owner of both the Kalgoorlie and Merredin 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 on Bates Street. Cummins Theatre, renamed in honour of its founder, opened to the public on 10 October 1928.

Upcoming Events in the Wheatbelt region

Looking for something to do while exploring the Wheatbelt region?

Although best known for Wave Rock, there is so much more for travellers to do in and around the well-equipped and thriving community of Hyden, including amazing rock formations, dazzling seasonal wildflowers and clear starry nights.

Located between Wave Rock and the Great Eastern Highway, Narembeen is the perfect place to explore. Discover a rich history at the Narembeen Civic Precinct with the many museums on offer.

Bruce Rock delivers an exciting experience for travellers that enjoy picnicking, bushwalking and camping under bright starry skies or resting in a town with great facilities and friendly people.

The community of Quairading is vibrant, friendly and ready and waiting for you to call in for a visit. With a townsite boasting beautiful gardens, an iconic town hall and magnificent piece of metal art, Quairading is a very inviting stop on the Pathways to Wave Rock.

The heritage wheatbelt town of Beverley is 130 kilometres east of Perth on the Avon River. Founded in 1838, Beverley is one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements.

This grain and grazing town is nestled in the heart of the Wheatbelt only 235km south east of Perth on the Brookton Highway. Corrigin has a rich agricultural heritage; the district produces around 171 thousand tonnes of wheat in an average year. It boasts a friendly atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

Kondinin, traversed in 1848 by Surveyor General J.S. Roe, was first settled in 1909. Preservation of a number of original buildings has enhanced its town centre. Rock formations, wild flowers, amazing starry nights, great facilities and friendly people make Kondinin a great spot to break your journey.

Karlgarin is a small and proud Wheatbelt town to a community of 93 people. Karlgarin is a town located 321 kilometres southeast of Perth in the eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. A small traditional farming town, most of the farmers trade in sheep, cattle, wheat, oat, canola, barley and lupins.

Kulin provides the perfect base to explore the Eastern Wheatbelt. Easy day trips can be made to many of the region’s unique sights via the iconic Tin Horse Highway.

Travel to Wave Rock via Lake Grace and experience wide open spaces, bright stars, vast salt lakes and friendly country towns. Marvel at the beauty of farming landscape and natural salt lakes, shimmering in shades of pink, green and mauve. The Lake Grace Shire encompasses Lake Grace, Newdegate, Lake King and Varley.

Newdegate lies at the centre of the Shire of Lake Grace. Settled in 1922, the railway line was extended from Lake Grace in 1926. By 1928, Newdegate had four general stores, a hotel, baker, saddler, two garages, fruit shop and a town hall. Today the town is a self-sufficient farming community which hosts one of the State’s major agricultural events – Newdegate Machinery Field Days.

Travel east from Lake Grace along the fascinating Lake King Causeway as you cross 10 kms of salt lakes studded with natural scrub and wildflowers. Take in the view as you experience the longest WA road built across a salt lake.

Varley was established in 1939 and now has a population of approximately 50 living within the town and district. The town has a comprehensive museum (Seward Avenue) with fine displays of memorabilia and historic town records. Locals and visitors can play lawn bowls, netball and tennis at the Recreation Centre or chase the white ball around the 18-hole golf course.

Explore the Pathways to Wave Rock

Sign up to receive a detailed digital copy of the free Pathways to Wave Rock Map and Visitor Guide, delivered to your inbox, and start planning your Western Australian Wheatbelt adventure.

Wildflowers

The wildflower season is one of the Eastern Wheatbelt’s most precious natural treasures attracting visitors, wildflower groups and scientists annually. To appreciate these remarkable displays there are many nature reserves with walk trails within the region.

Outdoor Adventure

If getting outside is your thing, then the Western Australian Wheatbelt is ready and waiting for you. Discover the magic of ancient granite rocks, wide open spaces, nature based walking trails, stunning flora and fauna, and dark skies full of stars that need to be seen to be believed. What’s not to love? Come and join us and take some time for an Outdoor Adventure to explore this amazing region.

Self-Drive Trails

If you are driving around the Pathways to Wave Rock region, depending on where you are driving from, there are a number of other drive experiences that make ideal companion drives to the Trail.

Great Eats & Drinks

There’s a lot about Western Australia that makes it unique, and if discovering hidden gems or enjoying a good old-fashioned yarn is your thing, then the Wheatbelt is a must for your next getaway. There’s something about this part of WA that makes for a great road trip full of unexpected adventures – especially when it comes to eating…

The Central Wheatbelt is a wonder waiting to be enjoyed. Time your visit with a special event, agricultural experience or select an attraction that will make your visit memorable.

Come and meet the locals and see what’s on in each of our quaint and friendly towns as you make your way along the Pathway to Wave Rock. 

• Check out our Annual Events
• Read interviews and stories from our locals
• Find our local Visitors Centres

The Pathways to Wave Rock Audio Tour Podcast is a collaboration of historical stories, local and visitor information, read by community members from Corrigin, Kondinin, Kulin, Lake Grace, Hyden, Narembeen, Bruce Rock and Quairading.

The podcast is available to download for FREE on any Podcast App on your smart device. 

On the Blog

The latest tales from our Region. Have a read through our top tips, travel advice and insights from the locals. 

Discover the magic

Explore the changing rural landscapes and charming farming communities of western australia’s wheatbelt region.

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Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

Wildflower hotspots in WA's Wheatbelt urged to diversify tourism offerings after dry summer

A peak tourism body says towns across WA's Wheatbelt can no longer rely on the annual wildflower season to draw in tourists.

Tourism within the Wheatbelt has grown 1,000 per cent over the past decade according to statistics from regional tourism body North Eastern Wheatbelt Travel (NEWTRAVEL). 

The group attributed the success to the marketability of key attractions including Wave Rock and the native wildflowers.

But tourism officer Linda Vernon said statistics showed a clear peak in wildflower season, meaning this year's dry conditions could pose a problem.

"Our peak season is the wildflower season of July to October, which sees most of our tourists come from metropolitan areas to the Wheatbelt," Ms Vernon said.

"We want to be able to expand our peak tourism season from March through to October without relying solely on the wildflowers attracting people to our region."

She said the prospect of a third straight poor wildflower season had dented the confidence of some local operators.

Winter rainfall critical

Wildflower Society of Western Australia president Brett Loney said the upcoming wildflower season would be highly dependent on rain across the Wheatbelt throughout June and July.

"The vegetation will have to recover from its heat stress if we get good rains, but some plants will take the opportunity to flower and set seed to prepare for recovery from the hot dry spell," he said.

"Reports I have received is that the vegetation in many areas has browned off in response to the heat and lack of normal rainfall.

"It will be interesting to see just how the vegetation responds to these initial rains and if the plants green up in response."

Towns need to be confident

Ms Vernon said many Wheatbelt residents lacked confidence in the appeal of their towns to visitors.

"The biggest piece of feedback we receive from tourists who visit the Wheatbelt is that they first and foremost love interacting with locals," she said.

"People living in our towns often underestimate the unique experiences and opportunities we can pass on to visitors."

She said there was an opportunity to take a simple approach to tourism.

"Think about when you have friends from the city coming to visit your property — you put on a spread of local produce, you go for a walk in nature and end the night with a campfire," she said.

"Why can't we be giving tourists on a larger scale that same experience, using what we already have on offer?"

Flowers still a key drawcard

Wildflower tourism remains a major stopping point for visitors to Mukinbudin, 300 kilometres east of Perth.

Annual wildflower tours run by the Mukinbudin Community Resource Centre (CRC) attract up to 30 bookings from travellers keen for an expert-led outing. 

Even in last year's drier season, more than 6,500 visitors were recorded across the region.

But CRC coordinator Jessica McCartney said the back-to-back dry seasons had prompted a pivot to other offerings.

"Out in the Wheatbelt we are quite resilient when it comes to the lack of rain, so the wildflowers are no exception," she said.

"After some tough years we knew we had to do more to keep people coming back.

"We used to focus on orchids and everlastings but realised that we couldn't rely on them flowering year after year so expanded to including all types of native flora, as well as incorporating a meal around the local gnamma holes put on by the pub."

Ms McCartney said the region's other natural attractions meant plenty remained on offer for visitors.

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Popular geothermal spa in Iceland reopens to tourists after nearby volcano stabilizes

The popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions in the country’s southwest, has reopened after authorities said a nearby volcano had stabilized after erupting four days earlier

GRINDAVIK, Iceland — The popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions in the country’s southwest, was reopened Sunday after authorities said a nearby volcano had stabilized after erupting four days earlier.

Oddný Arnarsdóttir, the head of Visit Iceland, said authorities had redone the security zones in the area and based on that the lagoon was safe to reopen for tourists. “Blue Lagoon opened again today,” she said.

Hundreds of tourists bathed in the lagoon, with the view of the erupting crater in the background. Cameron and Natalie Pacileo, tourists from North Carolina, said they were delighted to see the volcano from the lagoon.

“It’s pretty wild. It’s a beautiful view, and nice that they reopened so we can experience it,” said Natalie Pacileo.

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The eruption Wednesday was the fifth and most powerful since the volcanic system reawakened in December after 800 years, gushing record levels of lava as its fissure grew to 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) in length.

The activity last week once again threatened Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people , and led to the evacuation of the geothermal spa.

Grindavik, which is about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has been threatened since a swarm of earthquakes in November forced an evacuation in advance of the initial Dec. 18 eruption . A subsequent eruption consumed several buildings.

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic , sees regular eruptions. The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.

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• Kellerberrin
• Wheatbelt Towns

203 kilometres east of Perth

ACCOMMODATION   in Kellerberrin.

A drive to Kellerberrin Hill provides panoramic views of the town and surrounding region. A special treat is spring as the hill supports a mass of native wildflowers.  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.

For further information contact   www.kellerberrin.wa.gov.au

Arts & Crafts

Just Craftin’ Around Massingham Street, Kellerberrin 6410 Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9am-1pm, Saturday 9.30am-1pm Phone: 0428 857 883 Email: [email protected]

Harvest Cafe 100 Massisngham Street, Kellerberrin WA 6410 Phone: 0433 392 511 Email: [email protected] Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 7am – 2pm, Saturday: 8am – 2pm

Kellerberrin Hotel 108 Massingham Street, Kellerberrin WA 6410 Phone: (08) 9045 5000 Email: [email protected] Open : Lunch 12pm – 2pm, Dinner 6pm – 9pm, 7 days a week

Kellerberrin & Districts Club 260 Connelly Street, Kellerberrin WA 6410 Phone: (08) 9045 4103 Open: Thursday – Sunday 5:30pm – 8pm

United Fuels Roadhouse 150 Massingham Street, Kellerberrin WA 6410 Phone: (08) 9045 5248

Open 24 hours

Kellerberrin Pharmacy 92 Massingham Street, Kellerberrin WA 6410 Phone: (08) 9045 4306 Free Call: 1800 654 306 After Hours: (08) 9045 4454

Community Resource Centre

Kellerberrin Community Resource Centre Massingham Street, KELLERBERRIN WA 6410 Tel: (08) 9045 4991 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kellerberrin.wa.gov.au

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Visitors Guide

Central wheatbelt visitor centre.

45 Barrack Street, Merredin WA 6415

www.wheatbelttourism.com

Open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm