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Shire of MORAWA

Population 750

morawa 370km north of Perth The Shire of Morawa is located on the traditional lands of the Yamatji People and their ongoing connection to its land, water and culture is still evident in the district today. Morawa’s recent history began when AC Gregory, assistant surveyor, travelled through the area in 1846. In 1896, Sir John Forrest (later Lord Forrest – he never received peerage as the King died before conferring) carried out exploratory trips around the present Morawa district, with the first farmers settling in the early 1900s. Morawa was declared a town in 1912. For information visit www.morawa.wa.gov.au Australia’s first iron ore shipment was mined at Koolanooka, being exported from Geraldton to Japan in 1966. During the mine’s life, 114 men worked two 8 hour shifts 6 days per week. 13 miles of railway line were constructed for the mine at a cost of $1,400,000. The Koolanooka Lookout provides a view of the old site and is a great spot to watch the sun set. War Rock, Gnamma Hole and Pintharuka Dam Hills at Pintharuka are alive with white Everlastings. Sunk in 1936, the Pintharuka Dam was established for settlers’ use. The Dam became an official water supply on June 5th 1937 and was roofed in later years. The surrounding bushland hosts a variety of birds, flowers, mammals and reptiles. In the backdrop are the Moonagin, Karrakarook and Milhun Ranges, which change their colours when the everlastings are blooming right to their tops. Legend has it that War Rock received its name when war occurred between two Aboriginal tribes many years ago. The Gnamma Hole is usually full of water particularly after heavy rains. Bilya Rock Bilya Rock 20km north of Morawa is a large granite outcrop, surrounded by bushland, making it an enjoyable place for picnicking Places of interest Koolanooka Mine

and bushwalking. On top of the rock is a large cairn of rocks built by John Forrest as a trigonometrical survey point in 1874 when he was working as a Government surveyor. Historic Canna Store Built in 1929, the Canna Store, 43km North of Morawa, (60km South of Mullewa). Owners Sue and Paul Offszanka have a wealth of knowledge of local flora and fauna. They can advise you on walking trails in the area. Please note this location provides information only; there is NO food or fuel available. Maps are left outside the Canna Store. Mallee-Fowl Preservation Area Drive to Canna for your chance to see these endangered birds in their native habitat. Stop in at the Canna Store for more details of their whereabouts. Morawa Museum The Morawa Museum, located on Prater Street, hosts a vast collection of memorabilia from the past. This includes the world’s sixth largest collection of windmills, a wide array of farming implements and machinery of historical interest, and the original Morawa Police Station. Open most days during Wildflower season and on request outside of the season. Follow them on Facebook at Morawa District Historical Society. To arrange a visit give Sue a call on 0427 474 292 or email the museum at morawahistorical@outlook.com Koolanooka Springs Koolanooka, meaning, ‘place of plenty wild turkey’ is an ideal place for a picnic. Although there are few turkeys roaming these days the area is still home to many other native fauna. It is also an ideal area to see the wildflowers or to gain a picturesque view of the surrounding land by scaling the ironstone formations that encapsulate the springs. The picnic area provides barbeque and toilet facilities. Wildflowers Morawa is often referred to as the ‘Heart of the Wildflower Country’. Our Shire is one of the most prolific areas for native flowering plants. If you roam through our numerous reserves

across our Shire during late July to early October you will come across many species of flowers that are unique to this district. Carpets of everlastings are a feature and a big attraction however the area is also known worldwide for the unique and distinctive Wreath Flower (Leschenaultia macrantha). Among the multitude of species that grow in the Shire of Morawa are the bright orange wild pomegranate, bright pink native foxgloves, many species of orchids, grevillea, acacia, purple darwinia and dampiera, thriptomene, smokebush, woody pear, cassias, eremophila, blue cornflower and yellow bells. Astrotourism The Shire of Morawa has some of the clearest and darkest night skies that make us the envy of many star gazers across the globe. The Shire continues to work with Carol Redford from AstrotourismWA to encourage people to visit Morawa and enjoy our amazing dark sky. People are invited to bring their own telescopes and cameras to savour this pristine environment. Over time we look forward to developing more The Morawa Visitor Centre located on Winfield Street is the place to find out from the locals where the top flower displays for the season are located. The top spots for blooming flowers change from year to year but our awesome volunteers always know the top the hot spots. They can also fill you in on what else you can do while you are in the region. Open 7 days a week from July to October. To keep up to date make sure you follow Morawa Visitors Centre on Facebook and Instagram. Morawa Visitor Centre Winfield Street structured Astrotourism opportunities. Wildflower and Tourist Information

Morawa WA 6623 Tel: (08) 9971 1421 Tel: (08) 9971 1204 (Shire) Email: admin@morawa.wa.gov.au www.morawa.wa.gov.au

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1 Famous Photographer Steve Parish enjoying the wildflowers 2 Wildflower hotspots 3 Dark skies at Koolanooka Springs image credits Jeff Henderson

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