Top Attractions in Toodyay
Toodyay packs a lot into one small country town. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a long weekend, this is your checklist: the heritage buildings, river walks, family favourites and local quirks that make the drive worthwhile. Tick them all off before you head home.
Toodyay Visitor Centre
Start here. The friendly local staff can point you to the best spots, and the centre stocks maps, brochures, local products, souvenirs, and wildflower and history books. It’s tucked behind Connor’s Mill on Piesse Street, and you can also pick up the Living History Walk Trail and Pelham Reserve guides, as well as TransWA timetables and tickets. Open seven days a week, except Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Heritage and History
Toodyay is one of Western Australia’s oldest inland towns, and its convict-era buildings, museums and main street are still standing. Allow a few hours to wander through them on foot.
Connor’s Mill
Built in 1870 for Daniel Connor, a convict who became one of Toodyay’s most prominent businessmen, Connor’s Mill is one of the town’s most iconic heritage buildings. Explore the milling machinery and the story of how the mill shaped Toodyay, entry is through the Visitor Centre next door.
Built in 1870 for Daniel Connor, a convict who became one of Toodyay’s most prominent businessmen, Connor’s Mill is one of the town’s most iconic heritage buildings. Explore the milling machinery and the story of how the mill shaped Toodyay, entry is through the Visitor Centre next door.
Newcastle Gaol Museum Precinct
Step inside the 1865 gaol and meet Moondyne Joe, Western Australia’s most famous bushranger. The tiny cells hold displays on local families, wartime memories and the Aboriginal prisoners held here, and across the road you can explore the Police Stables, the 1907 Lock-up and the Wicklow Shearing Shed. Open daily 10am to 3pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday).
Step inside the 1865 gaol and meet Moondyne Joe, Western Australia’s most famous bushranger. The tiny cells hold displays on local families, wartime memories and the Aboriginal prisoners held here, and across the road you can explore the Police Stables, the 1907 Lock-up and the Wicklow Shearing Shed. Open daily 10am to 3pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday).
Old Courthouse
Built in 1897 on the site of the old convict hiring depot, the courthouse on Fiennes Street is one of Toodyay’s grandest civic buildings. The depot ran from 1852 to 1872, and archaeologists found its foundations around the building in 2010. The courthouse was restored in 1958 and has housed the Shire administration ever since, so it’s one to admire from the street.
Built in 1897 on the site of the old convict hiring depot, the courthouse on Fiennes Street is one of Toodyay’s grandest civic buildings. The depot ran from 1852 to 1872, and archaeologists found its foundations around the building in 2010. The courthouse was restored in 1958 and has housed the Shire administration ever since, so it’s one to admire from the street.
Toodyay War Memorial
Toodyay’s war memorial is a polished granite obelisk set in Anzac Memorial Park, between Clinton Street and Anzac Avenue. It was unveiled by the Governor of Western Australia on 18 December 1921, and local subscribers voted for an obelisk over a new hospital operating theatre. The names of those who served in World War One, World War Two and the Vietnam War are engraved on it, and the town gathers here each Anzac Day for the dawn service.
Toodyay’s war memorial is a polished granite obelisk set in Anzac Memorial Park, between Clinton Street and Anzac Avenue. It was unveiled by the Governor of Western Australia on 18 December 1921, and local subscribers voted for an obelisk over a new hospital operating theatre. The names of those who served in World War One, World War Two and the Vietnam War are engraved on it, and the town gathers here each Anzac Day for the dawn service.
Stirling Terrace
Toodyay’s main street is a heritage streetscape of verandahed shops, hotels and civic buildings, including the Memorial Hall and the Toodyay Hotel, with the 1897 Old Post Office and the old Mechanics’ Institute (now the Library) in the town centre. Stroll it end to end, stop for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
Toodyay’s main street is a heritage streetscape of verandahed shops, hotels and civic buildings, including the Memorial Hall and the Toodyay Hotel, with the 1897 Old Post Office and the old Mechanics’ Institute (now the Library) in the town centre. Stroll it end to end, stop for a coffee and soak up the atmosphere.
St Stephen’s Anglican Church
This restrained gothic-style church was built in 1861 by George Hasell and stonemasons and sits right on the main street. It’s one of Toodyay’s oldest buildings and a lovely photo stop. Out the front stands a flooded gum said to be around 375 years old.
This restrained gothic-style church was built in 1861 by George Hasell and stonemasons and sits right on the main street. It’s one of Toodyay’s oldest buildings and a lovely photo stop. Out the front stands a flooded gum said to be around 375 years old.
Historic Cemeteries
Toodyay’s cemeteries tell the story of the people who have lived here. The Old Newcastle Public Cemetery on Telegraph Road is where many early settlers were laid to rest. Nardie Cemetery, at the end of the Bilya Walk Track, was gazetted in 1856 and holds some of the town’s oldest families. Behind the Showgrounds on Toodyay Street is the Aboriginal (Noongar) Cemetery, a burial ground used long before European settlement, where about 100 people are thought to be buried. It was gazetted in 1916, remains a place of deep cultural significance and is protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Please visit all of these quietly and respectfully, and follow the protocols on the signs.
Toodyay’s cemeteries tell the story of the people who have lived here. The Old Newcastle Public Cemetery on Telegraph Road is where many early settlers were laid to rest. Nardie Cemetery, at the end of the Bilya Walk Track, was gazetted in 1856 and holds some of the town’s oldest families. Behind the Showgrounds on Toodyay Street is the Aboriginal (Noongar) Cemetery, a burial ground used long before European settlement, where about 100 people are thought to be buried. It was gazetted in 1916, remains a place of deep cultural significance and is protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. Please visit all of these quietly and respectfully, and follow the protocols on the signs.
Living History Walk Trails
Four self-guided walks take you through the historic townsite. The Green Trail (about 20 minutes return) passes Connor’s Mill, Duidgee Park, St Stephen’s Church and Stirling Terrace, while longer trails reach the Newcastle Gaol and the Pelham Reserve lookout. Pick up the brochure at the Visitor Centre.
Four self-guided walks take you through the historic townsite. The Green Trail (about 20 minutes return) passes Connor’s Mill, Duidgee Park, St Stephen’s Church and Stirling Terrace, while longer trails reach the Newcastle Gaol and the Pelham Reserve lookout. Pick up the brochure at the Visitor Centre.
Nature and Walks
Toodyay sits among hills, bushland reserves and the Avon River, with walks for every fitness level, from a short riverside stroll to a longer climb for the view. In spring the whole area bursts into wildflowers.
Pelham Reserve and Lookout
Just above town, Pelham Reserve has around 6 km of signposted walk tracks and the best view over Toodyay and the Avon Valley. The main lookout has parking, picnic tables, toilets and the James Drummond Memorial, and in spring the slopes are carpeted in pink everlastings. Look out for kangaroos at dawn and dusk.
Just above town, Pelham Reserve has around 6 km of signposted walk tracks and the best view over Toodyay and the Avon Valley. The main lookout has parking, picnic tables, toilets and the James Drummond Memorial, and in spring the slopes are carpeted in pink everlastings. Look out for kangaroos at dawn and dusk.
Bilya Walk Track
Follow the Avon River on foot from Duidgee Park to the historic Nardie Cemetery (allow at least two hours one way). Orange markers guide you past river pools, a bird hide and picnic spots, and “bilya” is the Noongar word for river. Walk a section if you’re short on time.
Follow the Avon River on foot from Duidgee Park to the historic Nardie Cemetery (allow at least two hours one way). Orange markers guide you past river pools, a bird hide and picnic spots, and “bilya” is the Noongar word for river. Walk a section if you’re short on time.
Avon River
Flowing through the heart of Toodyay, the Avon River (Gulgulga Bilya) is a place of great cultural significance to the Ballardong people. It runs full in winter and slows to a chain of quiet pools in the drier months, with paperbarks, flooded gums and plenty of birdlife along the banks. The Bilya Walk Track gives you the best access to river viewpoints, especially in August when the Avon Descent paddlers come through.
Flowing through the heart of Toodyay, the Avon River (Gulgulga Bilya) is a place of great cultural significance to the Ballardong people. It runs full in winter and slows to a chain of quiet pools in the drier months, with paperbarks, flooded gums and plenty of birdlife along the banks. The Bilya Walk Track gives you the best access to river viewpoints, especially in August when the Avon Descent paddlers come through.
Duidgee Park
A favourite with local families, Duidgee Park sits right on the Avon River next to the town centre. You’ll find playgrounds, a toddler play area, picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and a skate park, all on wide green lawns. It’s also home to the Miniature Railway, the start of the Bilya Walk Track and part of the Moondyne Festival, so it’s a handy base for a picnic stop.
A favourite with local families, Duidgee Park sits right on the Avon River next to the town centre. You’ll find playgrounds, a toddler play area, picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and a skate park, all on wide green lawns. It’s also home to the Miniature Railway, the start of the Bilya Walk Track and part of the Moondyne Festival, so it’s a handy base for a picnic stop.
Spring Wildflowers
From around August to October, Toodyay’s reserves fill with wildflowers including orchids, blue leschenaultia and pink everlastings. Good spots are Pelham Reserve, Majestic Heights Reserve (6 km from town), Dawn Atwell Reserve (16 km) and Wongamine Nature Reserve (17 km). Please look but don’t pick, as picking native wildflowers is illegal.
From around August to October, Toodyay’s reserves fill with wildflowers including orchids, blue leschenaultia and pink everlastings. Good spots are Pelham Reserve, Majestic Heights Reserve (6 km from town), Dawn Atwell Reserve (16 km) and Wongamine Nature Reserve (17 km). Please look but don’t pick, as picking native wildflowers is illegal.
Avon Valley National Park
A 20 minute drive from town, this park offers rolling hills, jarrah and wandoo woodland, spring wildflowers and views from the Bald Hill lookout. It’s a good half-day add-on if you want more bush than the town reserves, and there’s camping if you’d like to stay longer. Entry fees apply.
A 20 minute drive from town, this park offers rolling hills, jarrah and wandoo woodland, spring wildflowers and views from the Bald Hill lookout. It’s a good half-day add-on if you want more bush than the town reserves, and there’s camping if you’d like to stay longer. Entry fees apply.
Stargazing
Toodyay’s clear night skies are made for stargazing. Catch the sunset at Pelham Reserve, then come back to Connor’s Mill or the Gaol and see the old buildings under the stars.
Toodyay’s clear night skies are made for stargazing. Catch the sunset at Pelham Reserve, then come back to Connor’s Mill or the Gaol and see the old buildings under the stars.
Family Fun
Toodyay is an easy town to visit with kids. There are miniature trains, friendly emus, farm animals, a Christmas shop that's open most of the year and a riverside park that’s perfect for burning off energy.
Toodyay Miniature Railway
Ride a 1.1 km track through Duidgee Park on diesel, steam and electric miniature trains run by a local hobby club. Trains run on the first and third Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm (check the Facebook page for dates), weather permitting. Closed shoes are required, and it’s worth bringing cash.
Ride a 1.1 km track through Duidgee Park on diesel, steam and electric miniature trains run by a local hobby club. Trains run on the first and third Sunday of each month from 10am to 2pm (check the Facebook page for dates), weather permitting. Closed shoes are required, and it’s worth bringing cash.
Free Range Emu Farm
Meet emus up close at what’s billed as the world’s oldest emu farm, about ten minutes from town. You can see adult birds, nests and chicks (in season) and browse the shop for emu oil products and carved eggs. Visits are by appointment, so phone ahead.
Meet emus up close at what’s billed as the world’s oldest emu farm, about ten minutes from town. You can see adult birds, nests and chicks (in season) and browse the shop for emu oil products and carved eggs. Visits are by appointment, so phone ahead.
Christmas360
Step into WA’s largest Christmas shop, with thousands of decorations, lights, villages and seasonal gifts. It’s a Toodyay icon and you can enjoy it even in the middle of winter. Open seven days from April to December.
Step into WA’s largest Christmas shop, with thousands of decorations, lights, villages and seasonal gifts. It’s a Toodyay icon and you can enjoy it even in the middle of winter. Open seven days from April to December.
A Day at the Farm
A guided farm-animal experience at Sandalwood Downs, about ten minutes from town, with a mix of alpacas, goats, camels, donkeys and more. Great for young kids, but check days and times before you go.
A guided farm-animal experience at Sandalwood Downs, about ten minutes from town, with a mix of alpacas, goats, camels, donkeys and more. Great for young kids, but check days and times before you go.
That’s the list. Hungry? See Where to Eat and Drink in Toodyay. Planning around a market or festival? Check Toodyay Events.
Staying the night? Browse Toodyay Accommodation.