Waroona

The quiet country town of Waroona is situated 112 kilometres south of Perth, an hour and a half drive, and is nestled on the slopes of the Darling Ranges. Once known for its forestry and dairy industries, today agriculture, mining, and tourism are important contributors to the local economy. The Shire of Waroona stretches from the Indian Ocean across lush farmlands to the Darling Ranges with its massive granite outcrops, majestic jarrah trees and magnificent views over much of the Peel Region. Waroona Dam covers 145 hectares and is a popular camping spot for families. Recreational activities include water skiing and fresh water fishing for marron, trout and perch. Bushwalkers are treated to beautiful displays of seasonal wildflowers, and a wide variety of native bird and animal life. In Lane Poole Reserve, the still pools and contrasting rapids of the Murray River offer canoeists a challenging battle with nature. Drakesbrook Weir has gentle undulating hills that provide a picturesque backdrop to the cool waters, and the grassed area is a popular picnic spot. Recreation activities include swimming, fishing and canoeing (no power boats). A stroll through natural bush around the weir can surprise and delight when thousands of Monarch butterflies mass on the blossoms of native trees (around December to April). Waroona's delights are not confined to the beauty of nature and there are boutique galleries, antiques and collectables, fashion boutiques, hair and beauty salons, restaurants and cafes offering fine dining, horse-riding lessons and trail rides, dairy tours, and various art projects. An array of general and community services for both visitors and locals complete the picture making Waroona a beautiful place to visit and a wonderful place to live. Annual Events include the All Australian Car Day (April), Lions Auction (August/September), Waroona Agricultural Show (mid October) and the British Auto Classic (late October).