Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

355 places

Explore local places

Saint Stephens Anglican Church

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Saint Stephens Anglican Church

This restrained gothic-style Church was built by George Hasell, assisted by a Stonemason named Esau Wetherall and a shingle splitter, MacKnoe. Its red brick facade was complimented by the bush timber bell tower (still standing) and timber shingles on the roof. Built in 1862, it was one of the very first buildings constructed in Newcastle. Reverend Charles Harper had been Minister to the Anglican congregation since 1849 and received 25 pounds upon his ordination to build a church in Toodyay. It was in May 1862 that Bishop Hale, Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Perth congregation, consecrated the Church and it opened for services. A Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) that is more than 375 years old towers over the church. It is an icon of the town that has been threatened by development several times, but its historical significance is now well recognised. The trimming of the upper branches of the tree was to prevent it from striking overhead powerlines, which have since been run underground.

Toodyay WA

0.1 km away

Cola Cafe and Museum — Image credit: Wanderland

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cola Cafe and Museum

The Cola Café and Museum is a 1950s-style café finely decked out in red, white and black serving retro tucker, and foot-tapping music and features a unique collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia collected over a 45-year period. Wherever you sit you’re surrounded by Brian Dawes’ Coke obsession; everything from the conservative to the quaint, to the quirky. Many items have a story - like the Coca-Cola sign that once advertised a Louis Armstrong Concert or the red plastic chairs for the café’s al fresco diners snapped up from the Sydney 2000 Olympics. There’s a model-T open delivery truck, Coca-Cola transistors, a miniature vending machine, clocks, bottle and can collections and a lot more. Come and visit Toodyay’s famous Cola Café and Museum, a unique café and museum for those with a hankering for nostalgia. The historic town of Toodyay is situated 90 kilometres from Perth in the Avon River Valley.

Toodyay WA

0.1 km away

Toodyay Miniature Railway Station

Amusement and Theme Parks

Toodyay Miniature Railway

The Toodyay Miniature Railway was opened in 1996 and is owned by a local hobby club. Trains run for approximately eight to nine minutes on the one-kilometre track. The trains run continuously throughout the day from 10am till 2pm for the trains to move away from the station. Closed shoes must be worn.

Toodyay WA

0.2 km away

Connor's Mill Toodyay

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Connor's Mill Museum

Witness a working demonstration of the milling process using traditional methods and historic machinery at Connor’s Mill in Toodyay. The three-level immaculately restored heritage building is adjacent to the Toodyay Visitors Centre. The triple-storey brick mill was originally constructed around 1870 and was owned by businessman Daniel Connor. It was operated as a steam-powered flour mill for around 50 years before being converted to a powerhouse in the 1920s. Scenic Toodyay is one of Western Australia’s oldest towns and is located less than a one-hour drive from Perth. It is home to a number of resident artists and galleries which complement the rich heritage and historic feel of the town.

Toodyay WA

0.2 km away

Avon River

Natural Attractions

Bilya Walk Track

The Bilya Walk Track is a project by Toodyay Friends of the River, promoting the Avon River's cultural, heritage and environmental values. The track extends for 6.9 kilometres (one way) from the Toodyay Caravan Park to Nardie Cemetery allowing you to admire the town sites' historical buildings. Moving on towards Lloyds Reserve and entering a Sheoak and Paperbark thicket. Seating is available at points along the track allowing you of a vantage point to admire the River. Red Banks Pool provides the John Masters Bird Hide, where you can be rewarded with sightings of some water birds that frequent the river. You may even catch a glimpse of a Long long-necked turtle sunning itself on a log. The Bird Hide also features interpretive signage with the local Aboriginal stories. A short distance from Bilya Walk Track is Extracts Weir and Millards Pool, a popular viewing point for the annual Avon Descent. Millards Pool is the perfect spot to launch a kayak or canoe for a pleasant paddle and is the site of Toodyay's original and only swimming pool. Remnants of the citrus orchards that once thrived there lead you towards the end of the track at Nardie Cemetery where many of Toodyay's pioneers were laid to rest.

Toodyay WA

0.2 km away

Newcastle Gaol Toodyay

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Newcastle Gaol Museum Toodyay

Visit the Newcastle Gaol Museum Toodyay and you will feel like you have stepped back in time with the huge range of original artefacts on display. Explore the tiny cells and get a feeling of what life was like for the prisoners. Wander through the old Police stable and learn about Toodyay's colourful past. Built in 1865 out of stone and mortar, the Newcastle Gaol Museum is one of only five remaining convict-built gaols in Western Australia. Take a fascinating journey of discovery with displays that illustrate the history of the whole Toodyay region, as well as the Old Gaol itself. Each of the cells of the gaol displays individual themes. These include a war tragedy memorial, domestic and childhood memories, as well as the tale of the infamous bushranger Moondyne Joe. Hear the story of how the gaol was built at the request of the Resident Magistrate who was utterly enraged by Moondyne Joe’s repeated daring escapes from a previous lock-up. Historic Toodyay is one of Western Australia’s oldest towns and is located less than a one-hour drive from Perth. Enjoy the fascination of bygone bushranger days… right there at the Newcastle Gaol Museum in Toodyay.

Toodyay WA

0.5 km away

Pelham Reserve

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Pelham Reserve

Rising up the slopes, overlooking the town is Pelham Reserve. This Shire-managed Reserve covers over 50 hectares of bushland adjoining the southern part of the town area. It allows easily accessible opportunities to traverse some six-kilometres of signposted walk tracks. The Reserve is steep and hilly and provides many scenic viewpoints over the town and along the Avon Valley. The majority of this reserve is York Gum and Jam Woodland with Wandoo Woodland in the southern corner. At the main lookout are parking areas, picnic and toilet facilities and the James Drummond Memorial. In spring the slopes of Pelham Reserve are carpeted in pink Everlasting flowers. Pelham Reserve also contains many World War II features of interest and the dam and spillway associated with Toodyay’s original water supply.

Toodyay WA

1.0 km away

Picnic table in Toodyay — Image credit: Destination Perth

Agritourism

Toodyay Food and Picnic Trail

A unique country experience an hour’s drive from Perth. The Toodyay Food and Picnic Trail is a self-drive journey providing access to your choice of locally-grown seasonal produce for your picnic basket. Along this trail, you will meet the growers and producers of dates, olive oil, wine, breads, pastured meats and condiments to fill your picnic basket… along with a camel experience! Toodyay is known for its parks, wildflowers, nature reserves, natural bushland and riverside areas - so bring your picnic basket, stock it up and head to one of the many picturesque locations. The trail can be experienced in half a day, a whole day or be enjoyed over a few days - the choice is yours! Perhaps stay a while at one of the many Bed and Breakfasts and other accommodation in town and out in the bushland surrounding Toodyay. This trail provides the opportunity to explore this ‘hidden country gem’ right on Perth’s doorstep.

Toodyay WA

3.8 km away

FORM's PUBLIC Silo Trail: Northam

Landmarks and Buildings

FORM's PUBLIC Silo Trail: Northam

Thirty-eight metres high, ten in a row, in the middle of a fully working CBH Group receival site. In April 2015 London artist Phlegm and Atlanta native HENSE gathered their paint tins, aerosols, rollers and brushes and struck out for a two-week residency at Northam, the heritage town on the banks of the Avon River. Across four huge silos, Phlegm perched on the extended arm of a boom lift and using brushes strapped to a long pole rendered his signature whimsical characters in fantastical transportation devices. HENSE, working simultaneously across an equal number of silos, produced his customary abstract patterns in explosive blocks of fluoro colour. This is a truly amazing sight on the landscape of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. Northam is a small country town about an hour's drive east of Perth, in Western Australia's Wheatbelt.

Dumbarton WA

7.0 km away

Wongamine wildflowers

National Parks and Reserves

Wongamine Nature Reserve

Wongamine Nature Reserve was historically used as a watering and stopping place and for timber and gravel extraction. The Wongamine Reserve is now for conservation purposes. With its northern extension and Shire-managed adjoining western portion, the reserve covers 330 hectares of diverse vegetation. Species include the Mottlecah which has the largest Eucalypt flower in the world, Brown Mallet, Drummond’s Gum and a fine stand of Salmon Gum. In spring, wildflowers of all kinds abound. Walking access in the reserve is facilitated by the many fire breaks. The perimeter of the reserve is 8 kilometres. Forrest Road is a designated Flora Road with a sign posted pull in bay. Take care when exploring the reserve as it has gravelly slopes and steep gullies and remember to take drinking water with you. Tourists are advised to check for alerts and road/park closures before commencing their travel on www.emergency.wa.gov.au and https://alerts.dbca.wa.gov.au

Nunile WA

13 km away

Dawn Atwell Donkey Orchid

Natural Attractions

Dawn Atwell Nature Reserve

Dawn Atwell Nature Reserve covers an area of 65 hectares. The reserve protects a range of pristine native vegetation from Banksia Woodland in the sandy eastern part through to Jarrah, Marri and Powder Bark Wandoo. The reserve is easily accessed from Julimar Road with a parking area, picnic table and interpretive signage near the corner of Parkland Drive. The fire breaks and tracks are ideal for walking and the terrain is relatively flat. This reserve is renowned for its wildflowers with over a hundred species recorded there from the endangered Star Sun Orchid Thelymitra stellata to the spectacular Fire Wood Banksia Banksia menziesii. Some 33 bird species have been observed in this reserve.

Toodyay WA

14 km away

St Saviours Church Katrine

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

St Saviours Church Katrine

The historical St Saviours Church Katrine is a charming old stone building just outside of Northam on the road to Toodyay. Examine the skilful brickwork of the church, which has been standing for nearly 150 years. As with other structural feats of the era, the church was built by ex-convicts in the late 1800s. Capture the lovely church on camera before strolling through the graveyard to read the inscriptions on the gravestones which are as old as the church. Gain an understanding of some of the earliest inhabitants of the area, many of whom had strong links to Eastern Europe. Walk through the grounds to the banks of the picturesque Avon River. St Saviours Church Katrine was consecrated by the first bishop of Perth in 1862 and is a short 10-minute drive from Northam on the Northam Toodyay Road and a 1.5-hour drive northeast of Perth. Whilst in the area be sure to take in various other historic points of interest including the Katrine Barn and the Katrine Causeway, which was also built by ex convicts.

Northam WA

18 km away

Morby Cottage

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Morby Cottage

Morby Cottage is one of the oldest and best kept historical buildings in Northam. It provides a captivating insight into the life of the first settler to the area. Marvel at the meticulous work of its builder and owner, John Morrell, who created the farmhouse from mud. Discover the colourful history of the cottage which later became the town's first school and church as the settlement grew. Antique lovers will be attracted by the large number of pristine family heirlooms exhibited throughout the house. Learn about Morrell's painstaking journey from England to Western Australia. Whilst in the picturesque inland town of Northam, you may want to take part in some of Northam's unique experiences, such as a sunrise flight in a Hot Air Balloon. Northam is 1.5 hours drive north east of Perth.

Northam WA

22 km away

Apex Park

Parks and Gardens

Apex Park

Apex Park is one of several charming parklands in the historic inland town of Northam. It offers a lovely vantage point to admire the beauty and tranquillity of the Avon River whilst watching the graceful White Swans gliding through the calm waters. Relax on the grass under the shade of one of many trees with a good book. Children will be entertained in the well-equipped, shaded children's playground. Enjoy a barbecue in the park or bring along a picnic. Enjoy a walk or ride along the Avon River. A pedestrian path takes you to the Suspension Bridge across the other side of the river and back to Apex Park via the Peel Terrace Bridge. Northam is renowned for being the only natural breeding ground of White Swans in Australia. Stop in at the visitor centre to collect bread to feed these magnificent creatures whilst walking around the river. Apex Park is in the centre of Northam which is an hour and a half drive northeast of Perth.

Northam WA

22 km away

Northam Heritage Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Northam Heritage Museum

The Northam Heritage Museum offers an insight into the railway history of Northam and will appeal to rail enthusiasts and history buffs. Wander through the beautiful old railway station that houses the museum and visualise how the station would have operated at the turn of the century. Allow at least a couple of hours to examine the 1,200 items that are housed in the museum. The collection includes 200 photographs, interesting artefacts, antique appliances and memorabilia from the railway station. A highlight of the visit is the vintage steam engine and carriages which have been beautifully restored and is on display within the museum. Call in to learn about the History of Northam and look around the beautifully preserved railway displays. As the Northam Heritage Museum is operated by volunteers, please contact the Northam Visitor Centre ahead of time to ensure that the museum is open. Located in the wheat belt town of Northam, 90 minutes drive east of Perth, the museum is one of many delightful tourist attractions in this historic town.

Northam WA

23 km away

White Swans

Natural Attractions

White Swans

A unique sight for Western Australia is the majestic White Swans that have discovered a natural breeding ground along the Avon River in Northam. Western Australia is the only place in the world where the Black Swan is native, and as such seeing white swans is considered quite a novelty. Watch the birds being fed each morning by the local volunteer wardens, who are said to have developed a strong bond with the swans. Settle down for a picnic lunch or just relax under the shaded trees to soak up the tranquil surroundings and watch the splendid creatures gliding through the water. The picturesque town of Northam is just a 90 minute drive east of Perth and has many interesting historic buildings worth visiting.

Northam WA

23 km away

Avon River, Northam — Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Natural Attractions

Avon River

The mighty Avon River is famous for hosting the international annual white water rafting event, the Avon Descent. Each year, hundreds of canoeists and power boaters tackle the gruelling rapids and rock pools of this 133-kilometre course from the picturesque farming township of Northam to Perth. Bell’s Rapid is well known for testing even the best white water rafters. The Avon River begins as a tranquil waterway flowing through Northam. Here, you can go picnicking by the river and enjoy a peaceful afternoon of relaxation. The pedestrian suspension bridge which spans the river is the longest in Australia. It’s the perfect spot to take photographs and see Northam’s unique white swan colony. Downstream, the Avon River picks up its pace, especially in winter time. The Avon Descent is held each year in August. The river flows through the Avon Valley and then joins the Swan River. You can access the Avon River from Northam which is about an hour’s drive east of Perth.

Northam WA

23 km away

Bernard Park

Parks and Gardens

Bernard Park

Located along the banks of the Avon River in Northam, Bernard Park provides a picturesque destination for a relaxing day out. Whatever time of year your visit brings you to Northam; Bernard Park is teeming with wildlife, most notably the plentiful white swans. Take advantage of the electric barbeques provided or bring a picnic and settle down under the shade of the 100-year-old Pine trees. Take a walk down to the banks of the river to see the only natural breeding ground in Australia of the graceful White Swans. A White Swan enclosure can also be found at the eastern end of the park. The picturesque location offers a pleasant walk between the bridges on the Avon River where children will be kept entertained by the shaded playground. If your visit brings you to the area in August, the park is a hive of activity as it is the starting point of the Avon Descent, a 134-kilometre white water race down the Avon River to Perth. The park is also home to various festivals and the Northam markets. Bernard Park is in the centre of Northam, a one-and-a-half-hour drive northeast of Perth.

Northam WA

23 km away

Kids playing with Interactive Space — Image credit: Bilya Koort Boodja - Ballardong Nyoongar People

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Bilya Koort Boodja

Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge is a state-of-the-art Aboriginal Cultural Centre situated in the heart of the Avon Valley in Northam, Western Australia. The interpretive exhibition celebrates the culture of the Ballardong People of the Nyoongar Nation and highlights innovative land management practices drawing upon the knowledge of the land's traditional custodians. The Centre also comprises of a gift shop and meeting rooms available for hire and can offer cultural and educational tours and facilitate a range of cultural experiences upon request such as Welcome to Country, Aboriginal Art lessons and Nyoongar language classes.

Northam WA

23 km away

Suspension Bridge

Landmarks and Buildings

Suspension Bridge

Stretching across the Avon River in Northam, the Suspension Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in Australia. Stroll along the walk trails leading to the bridge to gain an appreciation of its size. As you approach the bridge, read the sign above to discover some interesting facts and figures about its construction. Take your time to cross the bridge, stopping to capture the beauty of the tranquil waters and surrounding vegetation below. Watch the graceful white swans gliding through the local waters. Known to be the only natural breeding ground in Australia for these magnificent creatures, take your time to enjoy their beauty. Continue your walk through Bernard Park along the riverbank for a picnic or barbeque while the children play in the playground. Alternatively, walk through the park to the next bridge and complete a circuit to discover the natural beauty of the town. The historic town of Northam is just one-hour drive northeast of Perth. Take a two-minute walk from the bridge through Bernard Park to Northam Visitor Centre where you can plan your other activities and stay in the picturesque town, and perhaps pick up a souvenir postcard of the bridge.

Northam WA

23 km away

Northam Town Hall

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Northam Town Hall

Walking through the streets of Northam, you’re eyes will be drawn to the magnificent historical building of the Northam Town Hall. Attend one of the many exhibitions and shows at this charming entertainment venue, and if you can time your visit during the Northam Arts Festival, you will see why this event attracts numerous visitors from across Western Australia. Examine the elaborate detail of the exterior of the building which was built during the gold rush of the late 1800s. The town hall provides an impressive photo opportunity from across the main street. Northam Town Hall is one of many historical buildings you will encounter on the 90-minute Northam Historical Walk. Collect a brochure about the walk from the Avon Valley Visitors Centre. Northam is 1.5 hours drive northeast of Perth and is the largest town within the Avon Valley. Located on the banks of the Avon River, this picturesque town serves as the perfect place to start exploring the valley.

Northam WA

23 km away

St John the Evangelist Church

Landmarks and Buildings

St John the Evangelist Church

St John the Evangelist Church in Northam is a picturesque Gothic-style historical church built at the end of the 19th century using locally quarried stone. Capture the perfect picture of this extremely photogenic church and distinctive bell tower from any angle and study the intricate brickwork from its exterior. Stroll through the charming interior to inspect the attractive stained glass windows which have been constructed using glass from St Georges Cathedral in Perth and Old St James, which was Northam’s first church. Look out for the large cracks that were the result of an earthquake in the late 1960s. St John the Evangelist Church forms part of the 90-minute Northam Historical Walk that takes in various historical buildings and sites within the town. Said to have the largest number of historic buildings in Western Australia after Fremantle, the walk will not disappoint. Collect a brochure about the walk from the Avon Valley Visitors Centre. Northam is a 1.5 hour drive northeast of Perth.

Northam WA

23 km away

Boshack Outback

Agritourism

Boshack Outback

Boshack Outback is a secluded and pristine bushland near Toodyay only 90 minutes from Perth. The 400-acre Eco property of lakes, springs, and local farm stay with farm animals to feed, Boshack will offer you a memorable experience that gives you an insight into the traditions of the land’s Indigenous inhabitants the Aboriginals and the lives of the European pioneers of 150 years ago. You will be taken on a journey of The Real Australian History, culture and heritage, a unique time to taste, feel and touch the true “Nature Power” as described by a Feng Shui movie actress belonging to Dr Copa Japan and his filming crew. Listen to Aboriginal dreaming stories, and play the Didgeridoo as Ernie Dingo did when visited by The Great Outdoors for filming. Take a short forest walk, try your hand at catching freshwater crayfish, and taste their swinging billy tea, damper scones and jam. Stargazing, canoeing and fishing can be experienced by the overnight stay. Their summer visits are the best with clear skies and millions of stars with a doona required for sleeping. They are told "Boshack is something different".

Bolgart WA

28 km away

Bald Hill Avon Valley National Park — Image credit: Bronwyn Wells

National Parks and Reserves

Avon Valley National Park

Imagine a park that's a peaceful transition zone between the southern forests and the drier country of the north. Well, this is it! And if you're looking to explore a park with minimal development, you're in luck. Avon Valley National Park has a varied and changing landscape. High granite outcrops offer panoramic views over the Avon Valley. The deep river and stream valleys are picturesque. Walk in the native forest of the park's uplands. There are plenty of birds and wildlife to spot among the jarrah, marri and powderbark trees. The wandoo forests of the valley floor are home to kangaroos, wallabies, chuditch and echidnas. That's quite a crowd! Springtime wildflowers are abundant and bring a burst of glorious colour to the park. Why not stay awhile and relax in the natural surroundings. Campers are welcome at the park's four campgrounds. They're basic but picnic tables and toilets are provided. Nice! When campfires are permitted, huddle around one of the fire rings, but remember to bring your own wood. Even dead wood is part of the ecosystem! The best time to visit the park is in spring, autumn and winter. Summer can be a scorcher!

Avon Valley National Park WA

30 km away

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.