Wongan Hills is situated approx 190 kilometres north-east of Perth, and is a small rural town packed with historical sites. Although discovered in the 1830s, the town was not officially proclaimed until 1911 with the opening of the railway line. The buildings within the town reflect this era; the Museum being housed in the original hospital building and the hotel of similar vintage.
Today, the town has all the conveniences needed for the mobile traveller. The Tourist Information Centre, housed in the old Railway Station building, is a great place to start your exploration. The staff, who are immensely proud of their town, will be only too happy to assist you with information and a cuppa. In wildflower season there are tours from the centre which take in the beauty of the landscape; brochures are available from the Tourist Information Centre, where the dump point is also located.
Places to visit while in town include the Pioneer Museum with true life displays depicting the early pioneer days. Among other historical sites is the place of the first commercially grown wheat crop in the region and the Lake Hinds School, the first school in the district.
The Agricultural Research Station conducts guided tours from June to November. It started in 1925 to study light land farming and it is now a main crop breeding station. Prior notice of visits is necessary. The Ballidu Craft Shop is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings, and is full of locally made crafts.
Visit Mount O'Brien for a picnic while taking in the expansive view of the area. Dingo Rock is a large rock and fauna reserve with an Aboriginal water hole and an abundance of flowers in late winter and early spring. Reynoldson's Reserve and Gathercole Reserve are also incredible places to enjoy and appreciate the display of wildflowers.
After your days of travelling and sightseeing, Wongan Hills Hotel is a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy a cool drink and a meal. For a quick bite or a sit down meal, the Liberty Roadhouse has a cafe known as Ah Wong's. The IGA Shopping Centre has a meal outlet with quality food including a Sunday roast (special price for families).
The Historic Railway Precinct, off Wongan Road, has an area available for overnight short stays. If you are looking for a longer stay to fully appreciate this town, the Recreational Grounds next to the PCYC Building, the swimming pool area south of the Bowling Club and 'The Gap', off Piawaning Road all have designated areas.
Wongan Hills is a friendly place to visit.
Tourist/Visitor Centre
Wongan Hills VIC, 49 Fenton Place, Wongan Hills WA
Ph: 08 9671 1973
Email: wongantourism@westnet.com.au
Casual Parking
Rest Area, crn Patterson St & Wongan Rd
Short Term Parking
Wongan Hills Parking Area, off Ninan St, 96hrs, toilets
Long Term Parking
Recreational Grounds, 96hrs
Dump Point
49 Fenton Place (outside front of Visitor Information Centre).
Potable Water
Rest Area, crn Patterson St & Wongan Rd
Hospital
Ackland St, Ph: 08 9691 1222
Doctors Surgery
Cnr of Mitchell St & Ackland St, Ph: 08 9671 1000
Dentist
1 Ackland St, Ph: 08 9671 1267
Pharmacy
IGA Complex, Fenton Plc, Ph: 08 9671 1157
Supermarket
Fenton Plc, Ph: 08 9671 1010
