Woodanilling
Although a small country town, Woodanilling has a very tight knit and active community. Community members work very hard to obtain community facilities that are the envy of many larger towns in the state. Units for the seniors of the small community have recently been constructed. It’s local sporting facility and community hub has a beautifully maintained oval and indoor recreation centre. There is a delightful playground and park ideal to stop at and enjoy your lunch.
Woodanilling was named after a spring in the Boyerine Creek one kilometre south of the townsite. This spring, situated among the Casuarinas and flooded gums, used to flow into a beautiful pool which became a gathering place for the districts new settlers and became known as Round Pool.
The Woodanilling District was first explored by Europeans in 1830/31, when Captain Thomas Bannister led the first overland expedition from Perth to King George III Sound. Governor James Stirling, accompanied by surveyor General John Septimus Roe visited the area Bannister had explored in 1835. Governor Stirling revisited the area with Alfred Hillman in 1837.
Further exploration of the area was undertaken in 1843 by Henry Landor and Henry Maxwell Lefroy while searching for a large inland sea said to exist south east of York. The lake they found, with the help of Aboriginal guides, is approximately 40 kilometers north east of Woodanilling and was called Dambeling by the Aborigines. This was later changed to Dumbleyung by early European Settlers.
The construction of the Perth/Albany Road in the early 1850’s brought the fine grazing lands in this region to the attention of many pastoralists, who took up leases while retaining their permanent properties at places like York. One of the first to graze sheep in the area was Elijah Quartermaine around 1850/51. Another pioneer to take up the early leases was Edward Hammersley who took up 10,000 acres in 1852.
The Woodanilling area was also a rich source of sandalwood and for many early settlers it was a valuable source of income while they were establishing their homesteads.
Woodanilling was among the many districts to benefit from the opening of the Great Southern Railway in 1889. The Woodanilling townsite was gazetted in 1892. The Woodanilling Road Board was formed in 1906 and had an average population of 800.
Around this time Woodanilling could boast a Blacksmith, Wheelwright, five General Stores, Post Office, Banks, Hotel, Hospital, School, Bakery, Church, Barbers, Boarding House, Saddlery Shop, Railway Station, and the first trotting track outside the Perth Metropolitan area.
By 1984 the Shire’s population had diminished to only 470 with a number of factors contributing to the decline, including falling market prices during the 1930 Depression and the demise of the Sandalwood Industry and the amalgamation of farms.
ACCOMMODATION
AVALON CARAVAN PARK
Cnr Great Southern Highway & Robinson Road
Tel: 08 9823 1681
Mobile:
Email:
Web:
WOODANILLING TAVERN
861 Burt Road
Tel: 08 9823 1508
Email:
Web: Click HERE
PLACES TO EAT
WOODANILLING TAVERN
861 Burt Road
Tel: 08 9823 1508
Mobile:
Email:
Web: Click HERE
AVALON CARAVAN PARK
Cnr Great Southern Highway & Robinson Road
Tel: 08 9823 1681
Mobile:
Email:
Web:
PLACES TO FILL UP
WOODANILLING GENERAL STORE
Robinson Road, Woodanilling
08 9823 1523
Mobile:
Email:
Web:
OTHER SERVICES
WOODANILLING GENERAL STORE
Robinson Road
08 9823 1523
Mobile:
Email:
Web:
PLACES TO SEE
Kenmare Hall
Reschkle Rd, Kenmare
(Off Robinson Road)
The building was a community project organised by Frank Carter and Oscar Lines, two settlers in the vicinity, both farming properties bordering Robinson Road. The Minister for Education, HD Colebatch, officially opened the Kenmare Hall in late
September 1921.
Queerearrup Lake
Located northwest of the town, on Queerearrup Road along Douglas Road, Queerearrup lake in its former glory offered a large variety of recreational and leisure activities from skiing, swimming and picnic areas. The lake has a significant historical value to Woodanilling. However, due to falling water levels the lake is no longer used as a skiing or swimming location, although native flora and fauna can still be admired throughout the reserve. Public toilets are available on site.
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King Rock
Located in Woodanilling’s northeast along Shackley Road, King Rock (a flora and fauna reserve) is an ideal picnic site with panoramic views of the surrounding district.
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Martup Pool & Wignedyne
Nature Reserve
Martup Pool is located north of of the town on the Albany Highway, and Wignedyne Nature Reserve is found on Orchard Road. Both offer opportunities to view native wildflowers during spring. Kangaroos and bush wallabies can often be seen at dusk in the paddocks surrounding the reserve, which are also known for parrots, lorikeets, blue wrens and the crested shrike-tit.
“Welcome to Woodanilling” Video
The following video is a documentary about many aspects of the town including the old days, as seen through the eyes of some young local girls as they ride on horses through the Woodanilling Heritage trail and interviews with locals Judy Nixon and Raymond Garstone.
Centenary Park & Prime Ministers’ Pathway
Centenary Park and the Prime Ministers’ Pathway are in the centre of town on corner Carlton and Carlisle Streets. The park is a popular area with a lush carpet of green grass, adventurous children’s playground and equipment, and a paved gazebo complete with shaded seating and an electric BBQ free to members of the public. Public conveniences are also available at the park.
GREAT SOUTHERN TREASURES
Woodanilling is the Gateway to the
“Great Southern Treasures” region.
Immerse yourself in the Great Southern of Western Australia, a region famed for its biodiversity, wildflowers, rich farming history and warm country charm.
From mountain ranges to wide open spaces, from grand old homesteads to luxurious hotel suites, from mouth-watering fresh produce to award-winning wines, the Great Southern has something for everyone. Take the road less travelled and visit this incredible tourist destination on your next trip south from Perth.
Find out more HERE
BOOK:
“Round Pool to Woodanilling”
A comprehensive history of the
Shire of Woodanilling.
DVD:
“Back to Woody“
A professionally produced DVD
taking you on a journey through Woodanilling’s history
Click HERE for more information and order form
Or call into the
Woodanilling Shire Office