SHIRE OF VICTORIA PLAINS
The history of the Victoria Plains district began in 1836 with the discovery
of the Moore River by George Fletcher Moore. Further exploration was
undertaken by Captain John Scully who, in a letter to the Governor in
March 1841, reported the naming of the area as the Victoria Plains.
In 1846 a party of Catholic Missionaries led by Don Rosendo Salvado founded
a Benedictine mission at New Norcie. The Shire of Victoria Plains is
situated 130km north - east of Perth, along the Great Northern Highway and
has a population of 1100. Today the area is one of the States leading
farming and grazing areas. The Shire has four schools and many other
community services.
On the corner of Calcarra Road & Corondeen Road, south of Calingri, stands
the Old BLacksmiths Shop run by local craftsmen. A plaque commemorates
the area.
The first settled farm in the district and features the historic Bolgart
Hotel built in 1916. Accommodation - Bolgart Hotel or Bolgart Caravan
Park (08) 9627 5220.
Calingri is the administrative centre of the Shire, with the Shire Office,
Public Library, sports ground & Tourist Information Centre.
Historic Canterbury is located 3km South of New Norcia. It caters for a wide
variety of local arts and crafts, including Aboriginal Crafts. Specialises
in sheepskin products including coats, seat covers, ugg boots, bags, toys
& souvenirs.
Located in the West of the Shire features beautiful seasonal displays of
wildflowers.
Features one of the highest timber and concrete bridges in W.A., 12m high
and 82.5m long. Situated on the picturesque Moore River, replacing a
bridge built in 1932. The bridge is made of Blackbutt & Jarrah wood.
| 34. New Norcia Heritage Trail |
Map 7 |
Self guided walking tour which features many of New Norcia's landmarks
including the Abbey Church, a statue of Bishop Salvado, the 19th
Century Sundial, the Bishop's Well & the Beehouse. Suitable for all
walkers - 2 km trail ot 3.7km loop. Pamphlet guides available from
the Museum.
| New Norcia Museum / Art Gallery / Shop (See No 7 - Red) |
Map 7 |
The Museum contains everything from the founder's gold teeth to gifts
from Isabella II, Queen of Spain. The extensive array of artefacts
tells the story of New Norcia's time as an aboriginal mission,
the centre of the monks extensive farming activities and place
of education & culture. The Art Gallery upstairs houses the Monk's art
collection. Open 10am - 4.30pm daily excuding Christmas Day. Guided
tours can be arranged by ringing (08) 9654 8056.
Wildflowers abound in this quiant town. A wildflower walk can start and
finish from the general store. The huge grain storage facilities have a
capacity for about 70,000 tonnes.
Victoria Plains offers many attractive wildflower drives. The most prolific
area for natural flora is along The Old Plains Road which runs for 29 km
and was once used by Benedictine Monks for travelling to Perth. Abundant
wildflowers & wildlife can be found around this area including birds, lizards,
kangaroos and echidnas.
At the south - east of the Shire stands teh old Benedictine Mission House
& Cellars at Wyening. The Cellars, built aroun 1890, still have some
original vats & casks. See old wine making equipment including tools,
wedges, etc. The Mission House was erected around 1879 & was built
traditionally to form a cross. Open to the public by arrangment with the
Victoria Plains Tourism Association at the Shire Office. Ph (08) 9628 7004.
Originally the Monastery bred house in this area for sale to India. Later
the land was owned by the Midland Railway Company and then sold to locals
in 1925. Yerecoin is a triving little town with a popular Tavern.
[Chittering]
[Dalwallinu]
[Dandaragan]
[Gingin]
[Moora]
[Victoria Plains]
[Front]
[Shire Descriptions]