Bencubbin

Bencubbin is located two and a half hours drive northeast of Perth in the centre of the north eastern wheat belt. Sandalwood cutters were in the area as early as the 1860s and a sheep station was established in 1867. The first farm land was taken up in 1910. The area is primarily devoted to wheat, coarse grains and sheep farming, although some farmers have diversified into cattle and pigs. Bencubbin is on the border of wheat and station country. This contributes to the wonderful variety of beautiful wildflowers and birdlife found throughout the shire. Birds are numerous all year round, and the stunning wildflower season lasts from June until October. There are many varied points of interest, all serviced by good roads. The Meteorite Area at North Mandiga is adjacent to the fault running north from Waddouring and three substantial meteorites have been found in a small area. Bencubbin Number One was found in 1930 weighing 542 kilograms, Bencubbin Number Two was found in 1959 weighing 64.6 kilograms, and Bencubbin Number Three was found in 1974 weighing 16 kilograms. All are in the Museum of Western Australia and are thought be from one meteorite which fragmented on impact. The only other meteorite in the world found with similar properties was in Bangladesh. A sample of Bencubbin Number Two may be seen at the Shire Museum in Bencubbin. Visitors can view the museum by contacting the Shire office on (08) 9685 1202. Pergandes is the remains of one of the original homesteads and sheep yards, constructed from local granite slabs, and may be seen on a private property situated approximately 10 kilometres south-east of Bencubbin.