York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia. It is situated on the Avon River, in the wheatbelt. York has been recognised for it’s important buildings with Historic Town Status. Established in 1835, the area was important for cattle, sheep and wheat, sandalwood harvesting and goat, pig and horse breeding. York now attracts visitors for its buildings, festivals and fairs.
It’s an easy 90 minute drive from Perth to York on good roads. The forecast temperature was 35°C so we left Louis, our dog at home and took hats. I’d made a list of things TO DO and it was easy to complete the list. York is a compact town with many interesting things to see and do with guided walking and cycling maps available at the Visitor Centre.
One of the most interesting aspects of the townsite is the hotels, homes and shops. You can drive around the streets of York and admire the architecture. Most of the houses are privately owned and many have been carefully restored and maintained.
10 Other Interesting Things to do in York
1. VISIT MT. BROWN LOOKOUT
We started at the Mt Brown Lookout to put the town into perspective. Standing here we could view the York townsite and across the Avon Valley. The lookout is a short drive from the town.
2. GALLERY 152
The York Botanic Art Prize 2020 Exhibition of the Finalists is what originally motivated us to go to York at this time of the year. Usually we’d wait for a cooler day so we could walk around the town, enjoying a slow look at the old buildings and parks, especially along the Avon River.
The Gallery has an exhibition area, a gift shop and a cafe all housed in a beautiful old building with outdoor eating areas. The York Botanic Prize, the current exhibition, featured paintings, prints, jewellery, ceramics, pencil and photographs all based on local wildflowers. There are regular exhibitions throughout the year. We enjoyed the coffee there, too, despite the slow service! I think they forgot our order.
3. THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE
The original suspension bridge crossing the Avon River was built in 1888, but was totally renovated in 1988. It’s a bit wobbly but fun to walk across.
4. THE YORK MOTOR MUSEUM
The Motor Museum, established in 1979, is in the main street. There’s so many exhibits, plan to spend quite a bit of time here. There are motor cars, motor cycles and pedal cars. See cars once owned by the rich and famous, land speed record breaking cars, vice regal cars, racing cars and old and rare cars. Knowledgeable staff, too.
5. COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
The Courthouse Complex is a collection of colonial buildings also in the main street. Construction began in 1852, prompted by the need uphold colonial law and order. See the lofty court room and the stark prison cells complete with graffiti and other archaelogical finds.
6. PENNY FARTHING SWEETS
A shop full of old fashioned sweets. Intriguing for young and old. Delicious finds. We weren’t the only adults gleefully recognizing old fashioned lollies and buying childhood favourites, too. Also in Avon Terrace, the main street.
7. THE YORK TOWN HALL
The imposing Town Hall, built in 1911 and renovated in 2000 also houses the York Visitor Centre. Here you can collect maps and local information. While you’re there, enjoy the imposing Hall. Go upstairs for the best view.
8. THE YORK RESIDENCY MUSEUM
The Residency Museum is currently closed for renovations. It is undergoing remedial works to strengthen the building and chimneys against earthquakes and other natural disasters. It is expected to be open again in July.
We have visited in the past and hope it retains many of the displays we saw and enjoyed. This included displays about the Aboriginal people in the area and interactive displays for children.
9. THE PARISH CHURCH OF HOLY TRINITY
The Holy Trinity Church of York was consecrated in 1858. The tower plus other additions to this beautiful building were added between 1891 and 1905. There’s an Alfred Pearse pipe organ and windows designed by well known West Australian artist, Robert Juniper.
Across the road is the Holy Trinity Rectory, although only the kitchen remains from the original building.
10. THE FLOUR MILL
Now housing antique shops, crafts shops and bookshops plus a gallery and cafe, the Flour Mill was built in 1892. It played an important role in a region well know for its wheat and grain exports. Milling ceased in 1967.
We ate lunch here at the Mill Cafe. There’s indoor and outdoor seating. The Visitor Centre has a list of the cafes and restaurants and their opening times. We ate here as we met my brother and sister in law for lunch and they’d eaten there before. Very generous sized meals!
Near the Suspension Bridge along the Avon River is the Avon Pioneer Park, with picnic facilities, public toilets, a barbecue area and really interesting looking play equipment. There’s easy parking available. We found parking easy everywhere we went in York.
There are many shops housed in the historic buildings along the main street, Avon Terrace. There’s intriguing antique shops and second hand shops, plus clothes, furniture and craft, a supermarket, a chemist, a Chinese restaurant, a vet and the amazingly tempting sweet shop. There’s several old hotels on street corners, many with restaurants, plus several cafes. The sporting club also has a restaurant.
The Visitor Information Centre can help with accommodation and there are many options online if you want to book somewhere to stay. Enjoy your visit!
Apparently, yesterday 21st January was Hugging Day. I think every day should be Hugging Day!