Merredin WA 6415 (Pop 3 600)

Merredin is a pretty wheatbelt town located in WA’s Golden Outback 260 km east of Perth. This early stopping off point for miners travelling to eastern goldfields, became an important town when the railway arrived and the Merredin Peak water catchment scheme was completed (1893). 40% of WA’s wheat is grown within a 100km radius. Community Show (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Merredin includes Post Office (1913), Town Hall (1925), Cummins Theatre (1926). Merredin Railway Water Tower, Great Eastern Hwy (1893). Merredin Railway Museum, Great Eastern Hwy housed within the old railway station (1895) excellent recreation of railway station with steam engine and fascinating rail memorabilia and displays. Military Museum, Great Eastern Hwy WA’s largest collection of restored military equipment and vehicles.

Nearby:
Pumping Station No 4 (3 km west) (1902-60). Hunt’s Dam (5 km north) original well (1866) around bushland recreation setting. Totadgin Rock (16 km s-w) formation similar to Wave Rock. Mangowine Homestead (40 km n-w) (1880s) National Trust-listed property. Lake Chandler (45 km north) pretty salt lake popular for picnicking, swimming and waterskiing. Kokerbin Rock (90 km s-w) panoramic summit views.

Accommodation:
Merredin has a couple of hotels & motels and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Barrack St. Tel (08) 9041 1666.

Airport:
Perth Airport (PER), 2 George Wiencke Drive, Perth Airport. Tel (08) 9478 8888. (249 km west). 

Hospital:
Merredin Health Service, Kitchener Rd. Tel (08) 9081 3222.