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Shire of wongan-ballidu

Population 1,446

Wongan Hills 184km north-east of Perth

Mt Matilda Walk Trail Located within the Wongan Hills nature reserve, this walk trail boasts spectacular views, fauna and flora (some of which are rare and endangered). Two trails are available for people with a moderate fitness level. Christmas Rock Walk This relatively flat trail is easily accessible and will take anything from 30 minutes to an hour to walk at a leisurely stroll. The interpretive signage provides an interesting insight into the natural attractions and cultural history of the town. Gathercole Nature Reserve and Walk Trail This 141-hectare granite outcrop 10km east of Wongan Hills is home to many species of native plants and animals and is classified as an A Class Nature reserve due to its conservation values. The interpretive walk trail is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness. Allow 2 hours for the return walk. Dingo Rock Enjoy a picnic at this Fauna and Flora Reserve on the Manmanning Road 25kms east of Wongan Hills. During the late winter and spring, the reserve develops a picturesque covering of wildflowers. This large granite outcrop has a ‘Gnamma’ hole on the rock face, which is a water collection site. There is a picnic area with tables/seating and parking bays. Reynoldson Reserve The Reserve is renowned for its spectacular displays of Verticordia and boasts seven different varieties commonly known as the “featherflowers”. Flowering seasons vary with most blooming between October and January with November being the peak season. Wildflower Festival and Reynoldson Festival The Wongan-Hills Tourism Association will be holding two festivals in 2020. The Wildflower

Festival in September and the Annual Reynoldson Reserve festival in November. Enjoy stalls, markets, a vintage car show, stargazing activities and more. Wongan Hills Heritage Walk Trail The trail commences and ends at the Visitor Centre and takes approximately 45 – 60 minutes to complete. Along the way you will discover sites of outstanding historical value. The friendly team at the Visitor Centre will gladly assist with information, products, guides and tours. Wongan Hills Visitor Centre The Station 1 Wongan Road Wongan Hills WA 6603 Tel: (08) 9671 1973 Email: wongantourism@westnet.com.au www.wongantourism.com.au

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A short, scenic drive from Perth brings you to Wongan Hills, the largest town within the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. Translated from the Aboriginal Wongan Katta, or whispering hills, the area falls within WA’s rich and diverse floral region and is home to over 1300 varieties of wildflowers including 24 species found only in Wongan Hills. A haven for tourists looking for a unique experience, this friendly Wheatbelt town offers a wide range of attractions. The area is particularly scenic during the wildflower season which lasts from July to December each year. As Australia’s first RV-Friendly town, the warm and welcoming community invite you to enjoy a vibrant main street featuring a variety of shops and amenities set amongst award-winning gardens. In 2018, the town became one of WA’s first Astrotourism towns and offers two secluded locations at Lake Ninan and the Airport to enjoy stargazing and astrophotography. The town offers outstanding cycling paths, sporting facilities, museums and cultural activities. A range of accommodation is available including a caravan park, chalets, hotel, backpacker’s accommodation and RV sites. Places of interest Mt O’Brien and Mt O’Brien Lookout Mt O’Brien is the second highest point in Wongan Hills and has a variety of wildflowers, some which are rare and only found in these hills. Look out for the fantastic Wedge-tailed Eagles, Mountain Devils and the very elusive Mallee Fowl still found the area. BBQ and lighting facilities are provided.

Ballidu 214km north-east of Perth

Still sporting the verandas and posts on the original main street shops, this cultural hamlet town is as famous for its annual Bike- it-to Ballidu race, sheep-dog trials and art exhibitions. RVs love the caravan park.

Cadoux 231km north-east of Perth

At the core of this hamlet-town are its general store, 3-roomed school, outstanding recreation centre and wheat-bins. The town suffered major destruction during the 1979 earthquake and the fault lines and geological phenomena are clearly marked with interpretive signage. Visit the area in the springtime for an exceptional wildflower display.

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1 Wildflowers of Wongan Hills 2 Historic Water Tower (photographs courtesy of Melissa Marcon) 3 Milky Way over Lake Ninan (courtesy of Trevor Dobson) 4 Verticordia at Reynoldson Reserve (courtesy of Melinda Godfrey) 5 Mt O’Brien (courtesy Destination WA) 6 Ballidu Walk Trail (courtesy of Melissa Marcon)

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