Located in WA’s scenic Avon Valley, the small town of Toodyay boasts some stunning 19th-century buildings, a fascinating bushranger-laden history, and a number of unique grey nomad-friendly attractions.
In other words, it’s not to be missed off any full Big Lap itinerary!
The area – about 90 kilometres north west of Perth – was first settled by Europeans in the 1830s, with botanist James Drummond among the early inhabitants.
A major flood in 1850 led to the original townsite being abandoned and a new settlement being established on higher ground a little further up the Avon River.
Toodyay is surrounded by rolling hills ... and wineries. PIC: Shire of Toodyay / Destination Perth
Toodyay was actually known as Newcastle until 1910, when confusion with the city of the same name in New South Wales, led to it being renamed.
Today, the town – which boasts a population of a little under 5,000 – is a modern community with a good range of shops, services, and eateries … but reminders of its rugged past are everywhere.
The first port of call for most visitors is the Newcastle Gaol Museum Precinct which gives an eerie insight into what life was life for the poor prisoners back in the day. It was here that notorious bushranger – and repeat escapee – ‘Moondyne Joe’ was held on a number of occasions back in the 1860s.
Another must-visit is Connor’s Mill, a steam-driven flour mill which was originally built in 1870, and restored in the 1970s after being saved from demolition. As well as demonstrations of the process of turning wheat into flour, the museum movingly tells the stories of the families who relied on its existence.
Other notable historic buildings include the library, the post office, the fire station, the Freemasons Hotel, the Victoria Hotel, the Bolgart Hotel, Culham Church, St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Urwin’s Store, and Butterfly Cottage.
Connor’s Mill is another popular attraction. PIC: Shire of Toodyay / Destination Perth
There’s a highly-regarded Farmers Market held here on the third Sunday of each month, and popular annual events include the Moondyne Festival, and the Toodyay Agricultural Show.
While the town itself is fascinating, so too is the surrounding area.
There are wineries, lavender farms, an emu farm … and even a 50-acre archery park that encourages beginners to let the arrows fly. There are some fantastic walks in Toodyay itself and in the surrounding area.
Spring, of course, is the ultimate time to hit the trails as wildflowers bring an explosion of colour to the landscape. And, this is also a great place for stargazing.
Although the Shire of Toodyay says the Cobbler Pool free campsite west of town is closed ‘in the short term’, there are still plenty of great camping options around.
These include in the Avon Valley National Park, which is only 25 minutes from town. The Toodyay Caravan Park sits on the banks of the Avon River and is within walking distance from town; and the Toodyay Holiday Park & Chalets sits in 25 acres of bushland.
And, for grey nomads planning to be in the area over the festive period, no visit to Toodyay would be complete without a trip to Christmas 360 … one of the biggest Christmas shops in the country.
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