Toodyay

Toodyay WA 6566 (Pop 700)
Pic: by Hesperian

Toodyay is a charming National Trust-listed town on the Avon River surrounded by beautiful farming country and native bushland. Located 86 km n-e of Perth, the name is derived from an Aboriginal word said to mean ‘place of plenty'. It was founded in 1836 and was one of the first inland towns to be established in WA. It was also a favourite haunt of renowned WA bushranger, ‘Moondyne Joe’. Moondyne Festival (May), Avon Descent (Aug), Healing Festival (Sept), Jazz Festival (Oct). 

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Toodyay includes Freemason’s Hotel (1861), St Stephen’s Church (1862), Old Newcastle Gaol (1862) Connors Mill (1870) (gallery & Visitor Centre), Police Stables (1870), Old Victoria Hotel (1899), Stirling House (1908). Duidgee Park, Harper Rd popular riverside picnic area. Newcastle Park, Stirling Tce pretty recreation area with stone monument. Pelham Reserve & Lookout, Duke St recreational reserve with walks and town lookout.

Nearby:
Avon Valley NP (25 km s-w) stunning jarrah and marri forests blended with wandoo woodlands, diverse flora & fauna and a huge variety of birdlife. In winter, the Avon River rapids are the venue for the annual Avon Descent (whitewater race). Camping, bushwalking and canoeing all popular pursuits.

Accommodation:
Toodyay has a couple of hotel/motels, 3 B&Bs, a farmstay, holiday lodges and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 7 Piesse St. Tel (08) 9574 2435.

Airport:
Perth Airport (PER), 2 George Wiencke Drive, Perth Airport. Tel (08) 9478 8888. (75 km s-w).

Hospital:
Northam Hospital, Robinson St. Tel (08) 9690 1300. (27 km s-e).