Westonia

Westonia is located just over four hours drive east of Perth, where the wheatbelt meets the goldfields. The town owes its origin to gold mining although it now relies on wheat and sheep farming. Westonia has a unique charm, nestled amongst 4,000 hectares of salmon gum, morrell and gimlet woodland interspersed with granite outcrops and remnants of the town's gold mining past. The town has been preserved to reflect its days as a booming gold mining town. Old buildings have been restored and new buildings constructed in a style that represents the past. The bright red doors on Westonia's Fire Station are part of the town's plan to step back in time. The colourful exteriors of the Fa&ade Shop Front Project aim to recreate the look of the main street during the 1900s mining boom. Down the street, the facades of the town's original bank, café and green grocer store have been recreated. In 1915 Westonia had two mines in operation and by 1917 there was a population in excess of 2000. This quickly diminished when mining operations ceased in 1948. The Edna May Gold Mine ruins are one kilometre north of the town. They serve as an interesting reminder of the colourful gold rush history. There is a lookout that provides excellent views of the open pit as well as the surrounding landscape. The Woodlands and Wildflowers Heritage Trail is a four kilometre walk trail that takes you through the Westonia Common woodland and back to town past historic points of interest. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in season. Accommodation and food are available from the local motel and tavern.