Greenough, Western Australia is an historical settlement 400km north of Perth, and 24kms south of Geraldton.
1. Leaning Trees
The leaning trees here belong to the species Eucalyptus camaldulensis, River Gum. The strong southerly winds burn off the growth on the windward side. This tree is still growing.
2. Wesley Church
The foundation stone for this gothic style church was laid in 1867. Ticket of leave convicts built this limestone church and it was opened in 1870. It is being restored by state and commonwealth government funds.
3. Grays store
Using ticket of leave convict labour, this store and two storey residence was built in 1861. From 1890 to the 1950s, it was used as a private residence. It is being restored by state and commonwealth government funds.
4. Lucy’s Beach
One kilometre down a rough dirt and sand track from Grays store is Lucy’s beach. Lucy greets visitors with her strange garb and accessories, many provided by locals.
The beach here is beautiful but dangerous. Reefs dominate the shoreline. The tracks here and the beach are mainly used by beach fishers.
5. Clinch’s Mill
Constructed in 1859 this mill supplied flour to the Murchison gold fields. Not open to the public, it can be seen from the Brand Highway.
6. Walkaway Station Museum
A railway museum in the town of Walkaway was closed the day I visited, even though details on the internet advised it was open daily. It does have a refurbished locomotive and carriage. It would be a good idea to contact ahead of time to see when they are open.
7. Alinta Wind Farm
Opened in 2005, this is a good spot to stop on the way to Ellendale Pool. There are toilets and parking bays here. A blade on the ground shows you how large these wind turbines are. Standing 80m high, the blade length is 40m and weighs 7.5tonne. The blades are made of carbon, wood, fiberglass and epoxy. There are 54 turbines here.
8. Ellendale Pool
This stunning waterhole has formed along the beautiful and picturesque Greenough River. The variety of colours within this rocky gorge are stunning.
Carnaby Cockatoos festooned most of the trees here. They make loud screeching sounds and fly in formation between the trees. It is fascinating to watch.
Camping is available here for a small fee. Toilets, undercover seating and barbeques are provided. This is a beautiful spot on the river for kayaking. However, be careful when swimming. There is a notice board here warning of the danger of contracting amoebic meningitis if the water temperature exceeds 24C.
9. Greenough Museum and Gardens
A beautifully restored two-story homestead built by John Maley between 1862 and 1880. John was a miller, storekeeper, hotel proprietor and entrepreneur. He was known locally as the King of the Flats. John and his wife Elizabeth had 14 children.
Part of the building is closed to the public. The rest is being restored with lovingly donated items. One of the walls in the building is being covered with newspaper articles relating to various Maley descendants.
Walking through this beautifully renovated historical home is a true gift and reflects the hard work of decades of volunteers.
There is a dedicated room providing a vast amount of information about convicts in the area, as well as old household and farm utensils and implements.
I think the most fascinating object was the double dunny – a two holed toilet. With 14 children it probably helped cut down the waiting time outside the door.
The gardens that Elizabeth started and was so proud of have grown extensively over the years, and been kept up and extended by following residents. They give a glorious setting for people to come and relax. The volunteer guide, Margaret, on the day invited me back to just relax and read a book in the pleasant gardens.
On the way out, in a room filled with archived materials, is a futuristic transportation device. It invites people to imagine they were teleported 100 years into the future, and to record what present day items they would expect to see on display here?
This is a lovely touch. Bringing the past, present and future together.
Check opening times and days at www.greenoughmuseum.wordpress.com
10. S Bend Caravan Park
I stayed for two nights at the S Bend Caravan Park in my tent. It was a lovely area to camp and close to all the attractions mentioned above. The tent sites were lush green grass, perfect for under a tent. The toilets and showers were clean, there was fresh filtered drinking water, and a magnificent camp kitchen for all guests to use. They also have a small shop for necessities and sell fuel. The staff were able to offer many suggestions on where to visit in the area. This was a pleasant place to stay in the area.
They don’t seem to currently have a website. Check out their facebook page (S-Bend Caravan Park and Roadhouse) or email sbendcaravanpark@bigpond.com
Happy Travels!
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