The Avon Valley’s nearest town to Perth, Toodyay, lies amid a tranquil rural setting, easily accessible from Perth by car or in the comfort of Westrail’s “Prospector” train. Toodyay is ideal for picnics with Duidgee Park and the Lookout Reserve being the most popular spots.
Originally constructed 5km away on a site which proved to be flood-prone, the town grew in it’s present setting from 1860 and was known as Newcastle until 1910, when it reverted to the original name. aboriginal word “duidgee”, meaning place of plenty. Among Toodyay’s many outstanding examples of well-preserved historic buildings is the Old Newcastle Gaol.
Built by convicts in 1864 to replace the original Toodyay lockup, which was further downstream and across the river, it is now a fascinating museum where visitors can examine colonial-era artefacts and try their hands at brick-making or bottle-rubbings or take part in a mock trial.
The three-storey Connors Mill, built in 1870 as a steam-driven flour mill and later a power house, houses the Toodyay tourist center and an exhibition devoted to Moondyne Joe, Western Australia’s most notorious bushranger.
Moondyne Joe roamed the rugged, bush-clad hills around Toodyay in the 1860s. Among his many exploits was a daring escape from the Old Toodyay Lockup. Moondyne Joe’s colorful deeds are remembered in April each year when Toodyay celebrates the Moondyne colonial and Convict Festival.
The annual Western Australian Folk Festival is also held in Toodyay each September. Also close to Toodyay are the historic Coorinja Winery and the Hoddy Well Archery Park, where beginners of all ages as well as experts stalk targets along natural bushland trails. A short distance off the road between Perth and Toodyay is the inspiring Avon Valley National Park, with its impressive winter waterfall. Railway travelers get outstanding views as the train follows the river through the park.
Photo courtesy: static.flickr
