Wheatbelt Weekend – Westonia

The townsite of Westonia is just over 3 hours due East of Perth. Before you embark the last 9kms from Carrabin on the Great Eastern Highway to Westonia be sure to top up with Fuel at the Carrabin Roadhouse/Motel – (08) 90467162. Not many people know Carrabin including fuel and road house facilities, has a Motel, Caravan Sites, full bar and Restaurant facilities. It really is and all rounder and hidden gem that the locals love.

Once you arrive and settle in to your accommodation be it at Westonia Caravan Park (0427 467 083) or Westonia Tavern (90467012). Enjoy Westonia’s unique charm peruse the streets of Westonia and you will notice all is not what it seems… The bright red doors on Westonia’s Fire Station are part of the town’s vision to step back in time. The colourful exteriors of the façade shop front project aim to recreate the look of the main street during the 1900’s mining boom. Down the street, the facades of the town’s original bank, café and green grocer store have been recreated. The doors on these facades are real and open to the library and Shire offices.

Alternatively you can view the working Edna May gold mine. Check out the fantastic view on sunset travel down the Mainstreet of Westonia, turn left on to Booderockin rd, then take the first right follow the road to the entrance to the Mine lookout walk trail.

Pop out for a bite to eat at the historic Westonia Tavern. The Tavern offers full bar facilities, as well as dine in and takeaway meals. Westonia Tavern is over 100 years old and has been newly renovated and restored to it’s former glory. While there take a peek into the cellar from the outdoor viewing glass and read up on it’s history on the plaque at the front door.

Upon returning to the Caravan Park, Campers can settle in at the heated Campers kitchen for a beverage or sit by your very own firepit (pre-hire – winter months only).

Caravan Park visitors make use of the campers kitchen BBQ facilities to make your own cooked brekky.

Next pick up your supplies for the day from the Westonia General Store with fresh fruit & veg (delivered every Friday), a great selection of deli items and all of your grocery needs. Open from 9am – 12pm Saturday (90467222).

Head out to on the newly bituminised Boodarockin road to Sandford Rock (key features: A Class Reserve, Wildflowers, Bird Hide and Marked Walk trail) or Baladjie Rock (Featuring Lake frontage, holds water 3 to 6 months of the year and an abundance of birdlife) both worth the climb to look out over the Lake Debra view.

A must see in the Shire of Westonia is Elachbutting Rock and just quietly is rated top 5 most beautiful campsites in WA (voted by Australian Traveller.com). Elachbutting Rock is a massive granite outcrop, a very popular camping spot for 4×4 wheel clubs and for locals, also a popular site for weddings and other gatherings. Elachbutting Rock is a spectacular natural rock formation with similar features to Wave Rock. The rock has a number of large cavern areas including ‘Monty’s Pass’, a 30m tunnel caused by a rock slide, which is surrounded by natural bushland and wildflowers.

Once back in town head down to the sporting complex to make use of the many free facilities available for guest use.

For dinner Caravan Park & Overflow Visitors are welcome to use the facilities with in the modern alfresco campers kitchen. If your jammed packed day has left you too exhausted to cook how about a good hearty country meal from Westonia Tavern or Carrabin Roadhouse/Motel.

Are you up for an early morning stroll? Just outside the entrance to the caravan park you will find the start of the Woodlands and Wildflowers Heritage Trail. This 4km walk trail will take you through the Westonia Common woodland and back to town past historic points of interest. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in season.

To combat your hunger from your early morning walk head out for breakfast or coffee and cake at the Gallery Café open Thursday to Sunday 8am-2pm (90467200). You may even find a special something from their collection you must have!

To complete your Westonia experience, and definitely an experience not to be missed. Step in to yester year at the Hood-Penn Museum open from 10am until 12pm Saturday and Sunday ( A Great Photo opportunity!). Say G’day to Bob the barman who runs the pub with no beer. Take a ride in the mine simulation tunnel, but be sure to hang on during the Blasts!!!