A time capsule of water,
gold & Western Australia
A project from the National Trust of WA
A self-guided drive trail between the Perth Hills and Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields. Go with the Flow. Follow the water to discover more about the audacious goldfields water supply scheme and Engineer CY O’Connor.
“Future generations, I am quite certain will think of us and bless us for our far seeing patriotism, and it will be said of us, as Isaiah said of old, ‘They made a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert”
In 1917 Westonia, named after Alfred Weston, had a population in excess of 2000 people. It had a hospital, police station, three hotels, carpenters, butchers, plumber and many other services.
The town’s fortunes fluctuated with those of the Edna May mine, being virtually abandoned when the mine closed.
Since the 1930s, when the surrounding area was developed for agriculture, the town has been sustained by farming, despite the 1940s and 1980s resumption of mining. Today the town has a population of approximately 330 people and only one hotel remains, the Edna May Tavern. But Westonia’s community pride and spirit is evident in the recreated main street facades and recreational facilities. Its mining history is apparent on every street sign.
Click on any map section or place below to discover The Golden Pipeline.
Northam to Cunderdin
Explore section two