Toodyay Off The Beaten Path

York is a delightful old historic town in the Avon Valley, south of Toodyay and Northam, and the state's most complete pioneering settlement which has been also classified by the National Trust as an Historic Town. You will find the York Motor Museum which houses more than 200 veteran, vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and horse drawn vehicles plus the Residency Museum which is one of the oldest colonial houses in York. Mt Brown is also a few minutes drive away. There is a look out which provides great views over York and the Avon Valley. Balladong Farm is found just south of the town. This is a genuine living museum and the only working museum in Australia. The farm still operates with traditional methods and skills.

Northam is around 26km south of Toodyay and WA's second largest inland town. There are numerous historic buildings to be found in Northam. The oldest public building still standing is the old police station. The town is also popular for the annual Avon Descent as well as hot air ballooning in the area. Australia's white swan which was brought to Western Australia in 1896 also breeds here, probably the only natural breeding ground in Australia.

The Pioneer Heritage Trail is a 20km drive which retraces the route taken by the early settlers. It also highlights the areas natural environment and historical sites including West Toodyay, the original townsite. The drive will take you a leisurely 2 hours and provides areas for bush walking and picnicking. Brochures for this trail can be obtained from the Tourist Centre.

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Driving along Toodyay Road you will see sign posted the Avon Valley Scenic Route. I decided to take a detour expecting to see something different. While this route takes you through some of the Avon Valley National Park (which boasts forests and granite outcrops), you really do not see anything different to what you were seeing on the main road. The road is also mostly gravel so unless you want to venture off that route, I would not bother taking it. I will add extra time on your drive to Toodyay and end up bringing you out north of the town.

The Toodyay Lavender Estate is set on 70 acres near the Avon River and is free to visit. The estate was the first commercial Lavender grower in Western Australia. You are welcome to pick your own flowers or enjoy a picnic on the property. There is also a gift shop with plenty of lavender based goods for everyone.

Open Thursday - Sunday and Public Holidays. 10am - 4pm.

Location : Lot 5 Dumbarton Rd, Toodyay