Toodyay
Toodyay is located 80 km north of Perth and is nestled in a valley between scenic hills and on the banks of the Avon River. The village presents some perfect examples of 19th century architecture, while at the same time retaining its own unique country charm with verandah-clad pubs and shops.
In fact, Toodyay oozes colonial history and architecture. Connor’s Mill is a fine example, and is your only opportunity in Western Australia to witness working historical machinery demonstrating antiquated flour milling processes. You can also visit the intriguing Old Gaol built in the 1860s, which now houses a museum dedicated to the varied history of the region.
In town you will find fine examples of locally worked art, woodwork and photography and there are also a number of places to stop for a bite to eat. Accommodation is varied and includes anything from historical pub stays in the centre of town or informal caravan parks where you can sleep under the stars, to luxuriously appointed bed and breakfasts and self contained chalets.
Heading further out of town will reward you with some magnificent scenery and there are a number of lovely country roads to travel on. Along the way and located amongst the pretty undulating hills surrounding Toodyay, you will find a multitude of olive groves, lavender fields, local artisans, rambling country gardens and vineyards old and new producing their own unique blends.
For more information visit the information centre when you arrive into town or check out the Toodyay website.
In December 2009, a devestating fire ripped through Toodyay. But, all that was wonderful about Toodyay before the fire is still wonderful after the fire.
We still have the same beautiful old buildings and places of historical interest, the same shops and restaurants and the same museums. The hills and valleys with magnificent views every time you drive over a rise are still magnificent. From the broadacre farm land to the clusters of small hobby farms, everything is the same.
Certainly the fire was horrific with 41 homes lost. The fact that no lives were lost is of course a great relief to us all. The reality is however that the fire only burnt about 3,000 ha, which is a tiny fraction of the total area of the Shire.
Even now, just a few weeks after the fire, new life is appearing in the burnt bush areas. When the autumn rains produce a germination in the burnt pasture paddocks; those new pastures will be a darker richer green than the other paddocks. Everyone in the district has come together as one to help our survivors. Those survivors are also showing great resilience and a wonderful spirit.
The support, help and generosity from the whole state is humbling. We thank you most sincerely for all you have done. We invite you to come and see for yourself what makes Toodyay the Great Little Destination, all the things that make Toodyay a great tourist town, which in turn helps our businesses.