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Shire of cunderdin

Population 1,490

Cunderdin 158km east of Perth

Meckering Earthquake Gazebo and Memorial Rose Garden Explore the devastation of the 1968 Meckering

famous by the Australian Post magazine - the pub is not only a novelty for tourists but an important central hub for residents in the Shire. Bulgin Rock Reserve Bulgin Rock, located off Burges Road is the perfect place to absorb the rolling landscape and it’s easy to see why it’s been a popular picnic spot for more than a century. Sitting amongst the sheoak woodland you’ll probably glimpse a variety of birds and, at the right time of year an abundance of colourful wildflowers including a beautiful display of orchids. Youndegin Immerse yourself in our fascinating past by taking a trip to Youndegin (19km south of Cunderdin along the Cunderdin-Quairading Road, then left on the Goldfields Road), here you’ll find the original police outpost. Built from stone and mud with a thatched roof, the outpost’s answer to the modern day ‘lock-up’ was a nearby York Gum. The name originates from a local Aboriginal language meaning ‘Place of water’ or ‘Moon on water’. The town formerly called Beebering was established in 1887 then renamed Meckering in 1897. Today, Meckering is probably best known for the devastating earthquake in October 1968 with many of the places of interest relating to this event. Meckering is still a vibrant and thriving country community, although with its relatively small population the town is resilient and achieves more than many areas twice its size. Places of interest The Big Camera - Museum of Photography It is impossible to miss this unique building on the Great Eastern Highway. An amazing history of photography is on display including a wonderful collection of earthquake images. Meckering 132km east of Perth

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earthquake firsthand at this impressive display which includes a section of the

Cunderdin is a major Wheatbelt town situated on the Great Eastern Highway approximately a two hour drive from Perth. The town was settled and has evolved into the Wheatbelt centre it is today as a result of the development of the Coolgardie/Kalgoorlie Goldfields railway in 1894 and the Goldfields water supply pipeline in 1901. The Number 3 Pumping Station, one of eight which relayed water from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie along this pipeline was situated in Cunderdin. The heritage building now houses the amazing Cunderdin Museum. The Cunderdin Museum is the central attraction to the Shire and many visitors comment that it is arguably one of the best rural museums they have seen. Apart from the Pumping Station machinery and memorabilia, the large collection also includes Indigenous district culture, agricultural industry, railways, Cunderdin training aircraft from World War II, the original Quelagetting School, the Telegraph, Meckering earthquake simulator and much more. No visitor should miss the opportunity to experience the many displays offered which, together weave a rich historical tapestry of the district’s heritage. Cunderdin Hill Lookout It appears quite inconspicuous, but it’s definitely worth taking the time to venture to the top of Cunderdin Hill (1km south of the main street). You’ll be greeted by 360 degree panoramic views of the town and surrounding farmland - a view that gives a real sense of the wide open spaces and big blue sky. Ettamogah Pub There’s one landmark you certainly won’t miss when you visit Cunderdin - the brightly coloured and rather distinctive Ettamogah Pub. Based on the well known comics of Ken Maynard - made Places of interest Cunderdin Museum

damaged railway line, a mangled piece of the Golden Pipeline, photographs, statistics and information. Take a stroll across the road to the beautiful Memorial Rose Garden - a tribute to the dedication and hard work of many local volunteers. Meckering Earthquake Walk Trail Officially opened on Sunday 14 October 2018 at the 50th anniversary commemorations of the Meckering Earthquake, the walk trail traces the former town centre. Visitors can view images, descriptions and footprints of the former Meckering Main Street businesses and public buildings through a trail of interpretative signage. Meckering Earthquake Farm Ruins The Meckering earthquake registered 6.9 on the Richter Scale, crushing many of the town’s buildings and residential properties. ‘Salisbury’ - an old stone homestead built in 1904 - was flattened during the quake and a local family narrowly missed tragedy managing to locate their child amongst the rubble. The ruins give an eerie insight into the scale of the devastation experienced (2km north of Meckering, turn off Meckering to Goomalling Road). Meckering Earthquake Preserved Fault Line While only lasting 40 seconds, the Meckering earthquake had a lifetime impact on this small Wheatbelt town. Leaving a scar 32km long and in some parts up to 2m high, the earthquake literally tore open the earth. You can still see 1km of the fault line that’s been preserved for viewing (12km south of Meckering on York- Meckering Road). Cunderdin Tourist Centre 100 Forrest Street

Cunderdin WA 6407 Tel: (08) 9635 1291 www.cunderdin.wa.gov.au

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1 Cunderdin Museum 2 Pump room at Cunderdin Museum 3 Wildflowers on Cunderdin Hill 4 The aptly named Golden Pipeline 1

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