The Golden Pipeline Home Page

The Golden Pipeline

In the 1890s CY O’Connor engineered a pipeline to carry freshwater from Mundaring Weir to arid goldfields 560 km to the east. To commemorate this incredible feat the National Trust of Australia (WA) initiated the Golden Pipeline Project.

There is more than one way to explore CY O’Connor’s pipeline.

Visit a 100-year-old steam pumping station, take a walk across a dam wall, explore the lives of the people who built and maintained this scheme at a variety of museums or drive 650 km to discover more about the pipeline that delivers water to Western Australia’s arid interior.

The National Trust of Australia (WA) has developed a range of exciting programs from the award winning exhibitions at No 1 Pump Station to a range of recreational trails to help residents and visitors to Western Australia discover more about the incredible goldfields water supply pipeline.

Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail

This trail takes motorists from Perth to Kalgoorlie following the path of the water from Mundaring Weir to Mount Charlotte Reservoir. Ideal for those who have a couple of days or more to explore the history, hospitality and horizons of Pipeline country.

Kep Track

Cycle tourists, family groups, people of all levels of fitness, day trippers and those with a little more time are all catered for on this 75 km multi use trail. Kep Track takes cyclists, walkers and horse-riders through a countryside of contrasts, from forest to field, mainly along the gentle gradient of the former railway reserve. Kep travels through many of the small settlements of the Perth Hills and can be completed in several scenic sections or as an ‘end to ender’.

Walks at the Weir (link to come)

Walks in the Mundaring Weir precinct take visitors through the gardens and forest surrounding the dam. Choose from Weir Walk (1.9 kms) which takes in the immediate surrounds of the dam or the meandering O’Connor Trail (5.3kms) that includes an expansive view of Lake CY O’Connor. Brochures available at No 1 Pump Station (link) or the Mundaring Weir Hotel (link).

No 1 Pump Station

Learn more about O’Connor’s ‘scheme of madness’. This well-preserved steam pumping station houses an award-winning display which includes audio visual presentations, interactives and displays which explore the history of the need for the scheme, the people who built and maintained it and how it continues to operate today.

Education and Learning

The National Trust runs special programs for schools (link?- general education link) and other groups interested in learning about the water supply scheme and Golden Pipeline project. Groups are welcome at No 1 Pump Station where for a small charge they are given guided tours. Time permitting, staff also visit social and professional groups to give talks. Telephone 9321 6088 for more information.