Great Eastern Highway
Only 100 kilometres inland from Perth, Northam is the regional centreof the rich (and very English looking) pastoral lands of the scenic Avon Valley. Apart from being a choice country retreat not far from thebig smoke, it's position on both the railway line and main highway to Kalgoorlie, have made the town a popular stopover point.
As one of the state's first rural settlements and major railway towns,Northam is brimming with colonial heritage. The Old Train Station and the other grand historical buildings still gracing the streets, nowhouse a variety of interesting museums and galleries. On the outskirts of town, the Avon and Mortlock Rivers not only attract white swans andother beautiful waterbirds, but canoeing enthusiasts from all over thecountry. The first weekend in August is particularly busy, with therunning of the extreme 135 kilometre Avon Descent Canoe Race. Powerboats are also invited, but thankfully they compete in a different division.
Thirty five kilometres directly south of Northam, York is another gorgeous historical town, regarded as one of the highlightsof the Avon Valley. York is this perfect name for this village which has gone out of it's way (sometime overboard) to resemble it's English counterpart. It's wealth of superb old buildings, coaching inns and cottages have all been painstakingly restored, perfectly preserving a by-gone era and earning York a National Trust classification. The streets are also filled speciality old-time museums, quaint craft workshops, antique stores, rose gardens, and cosy B&B's, enhancing the town's appeal and atmosphere. Chances are you'll time your arrival with one of the markets or major annual events and that the citizens of York love to host.
Back on the Great Eastern Highway heading east of Northam, the important wheatbelt towns of Merredin and Southern Cross brake up the journey nicely for those en-route to Kalgoorlie. Each ishome to a few historical museums which portray their prominent pasts,as well as a good range of essential services for travellers.
Just under 200 kilometres south of Merredin, Hyden is anothertown supporting the surrounding cereal farms, best known on the touristtrail for it's proximity to Wave Rock. Wave Rock is a fascinating 2700 million year old piece of multicoloured granite which looks like a gigantic wave about to break. Close by, the other unusual rock formations of Hippos Yawn, The Breakers, and The Falls are connected bywalking trails, and are also worth a look. Further out of town, Mulka'sCave contains some very accessible Aboriginal rock-art.
Great Northern Highway
Travelling north-west of Perth, the Great Northern Highway presentsa more direct, but decidedly duller route to the Pilbara and the Kimberly. The gold mining towns of Mount Magnet (562 kilometresfrom Perth) and Meekatharra (768 kilometres from Perth) help break up the monotony, providing essential services, a variety ofmining attractions, and access to the area's interesting ghost towns.
