Things to do in Avon Valley, Western Australia: The Best Museums

December 23, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

Discover the best top things to do in Avon Valley, Australia including Gallery 152, Connor's Mill Museum Toodyay, Bilya Koort Boodja, East End Gallery, York Motor Museum, New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery, York Residency Museum, Newcastle Gaol Museum, Toodyay Miniature Trains, York Art Antiques collectables.
Restaurants in Avon Valley

152 Avon Terrace, York, Western Australia 6302 Australia +61 419 707 755 [email protected] http://www.gallery152.com.au
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Gallery 152

Artspace featuring diverse range of work by contemporary Australian artists. We hold around seven curated exhibitions annually, that introduce emerging and mid-career Australian artists.

2. Connor's Mill Museum Toodyay

7 Piesse St Entry via Toodyay Visitor Centre, Toodyay, Western Australia 6566 Australia +61 8 9574 9380 [email protected] http://www.toodyay.com/Historical-Toodyay/Toodyays-Museums/Connors-Mill-Museum
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Connor's Mill Museum Toodyay

Reviewed By Q7840EUdanl - Bunbury, Australia

The mill dates to 1870 and was the third steam powered mill built in Toodyay after the Drummond and Monger mills and with a reputation for producing high quality flour. In 1917 it became a powerhouse and supplied Toodyay until 1955 when Toodyay was connected to the SEC grid. The building sat idle until 1975 when the Tourist Bureau was established. Over the next quarter century the building was restored, stairs to the upper floors and a steam engine installed. It became a museum with the relocation of the Tourist Information. Great information panels and interesting artifacts. Worth the climb to the top floor. Connor's cottage is located on the other side of the Visitor Centre and is leased to business interests.

3. Bilya Koort Boodja

2 Grey St Next door to Northam Visitor Centre, Northam, Western Australia 6401 Australia +61 8 9622 2170 [email protected] http://www.bilyakoortboodja.com/
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Bilya Koort Boodja

The Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge (BKB Centre) is located in the Shire of Northam on the foreshore of the Avon River in Northam’s CBD. This regional tourist attraction offers an interactive educational experience that recognises the rich Aboriginal and environmental presence in the Nyoongar Ballardong region. The Centre protects, celebrates and shares the culture of the Nyoongar people and highlights land management practices that draw upon the knowledge of the land’s traditional custodians.

Reviewed By henrybM1260PQ

Terrific introduction to Noongar culture with explanations of the six Noongar seasons, the depressing history of white policy towards Aboriginal people and the stories of local Ballardong people. Especially liked the conversation area with its virtual yarning. Felt like you were listening in to stories around a campfire. Northam should be very proud of this learning centre in the heart of river country. @shireofnortham

116 Vincent St, Beverley, Western Australia 6304 Australia +61 414 255 781 [email protected] http://www.eastendgallery.com.au
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

East End Gallery

The End End Gallery, within the historic Forbes Building on Vincent Street, has the primary focus on supporting and promoting Wheatbelt artists. Open since December 2014, the Gallery and Giftshop now encompass 150 square metres and display space. We pride ourselves on being innovative in our presentation and offering our guests an educative and entertaining visit. Attached to the Gallery is Michael's workshop which features his impressive collection of found metal objects and is also his creative space. Using artifacts from the early ming, pastoral and agricultural industries, Michael weaves the stories of the men, women and children who lived and worked in these settings. As our artists have grown in number, we have also become keepers of their stories. As we approach one hundred artists within our Artists Precinct, we look forward to welcoming new guests and old friends. Warm regards, Kate and Michael.

5. York Motor Museum

116 Avon Tce, York, Western Australia 6302 Australia +61 8 9641 1288 [email protected] http://www.yorkmotormuseum.com
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4.5 based on 177 reviews

York Motor Museum

The only community owned and operated motor museum in Australia, we are dedicated towards preserving the history of Australian and world motoring vehicles in our heritage listed museum in York, Western Australia. We are also the home of the "Never Never Tours" Valiant ute used in the movie "Crocodile Dundee" and autographed by Paul Hogan on the dashboard.

Reviewed By Orkneycat - Stromness, United Kingdom

This museum in York highstreet is the place to go if you are a classic car enthusiast. It has something of interest for most age groups and some old cars, carriages and motorbikes. Quite a trip down memory lane!

Great Northern Highway, New Norcia, Western Australia 6509 Australia +61 8 9654 8056 [email protected] https://www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/museum/museum
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4.5 based on 162 reviews

New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery

Reviewed By shockingman - Perth, Australia

A group of 50 seniors visited new Norcia today on a day trip organized by Hello World, Alexander Heights. I have wanted to visit for 45 years and it has taken Covid restrictions for me to visit our own back yard. It is the only Monastic town in Australia and its history is extremely interesting. The old historical buildings have a beautiful architectural style and there are three beautiful churches with beautiful paintings in them. One almost like a mini Sistine Chapel. Being less that two hours from Perth it is an interesting drive through farming country, and you see the DISK as you drive up. Actually I would even recommend it for a weekend stay in the excellent hotel that they have there. Our meal was excellent on a beautiful laid tables, and tea served in the most colorful cup and pots. Reasonably priced I would recommend that as many people from Western Australia consider visiting, and even spending a weekend there. Stop at the Bindoon bakery on your drive there. I certainly will be doing it. David Schokman.

7. York Residency Museum

4 Brook St, York, Western Australia 6302 Australia +61 8 9641 1751 [email protected] http://www.york.wa.gov.au/residencymuseum
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4.5 based on 38 reviews

York Residency Museum

Reviewed By Q7840EUdanl - Bunbury, Australia

The museum itself has an interesting history. It dates to the 1850's, initially serving as the Depot Superintendent's Quarters (the last remaining part of York's Convict Depot), then the home of the Resident Magistrate, was incorporated into the old York hospital as maternity rooms, then the Matron's Quarters and became a museum in 1972. I love it when historic buildings are renovated, restored and retained. The interior houses a diverse range of exhibits covering York's history; shackles, the bell of St John's, old tools, kitchen utensils, etc. Some I was familiar with, the open fireplace and array of pots and pans, the butter churn and some others which were features of Irish households in the not too distant past. Wonderful that the York Society and Shire place such a value on the history of the district.

8. Newcastle Gaol Museum

14 Clinton St, Toodyay, Western Australia 6566 Australia +61 8 9574 2435 http://www.toodyay.com/accom_result1/newcastle-gaol
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4.5 based on 44 reviews

Newcastle Gaol Museum

Reviewed By Q7840EUdanl - Bunbury, Australia

Marvellous complex to visit and take a step back in time and view the cells, stables, machinery shed, etc. Great exhibits with cells displaying law & order, living in Toodyay, Dorizzi Brothers Memorial Cell, Native Cell, Trades & Textiles and Moondyne Joe, perhaps West Australia's most fames or notorious felon. The stables house a collection of wagons and a fire cart plus various items of horse tack. The machinery shed was constructed in 1962 to house various agricultural machinery. The Wicklow Shearing Shed is a reproduction of the shed that existed on the Wicklow Hills property and was constructed with materials largely salvaged from the old shed. The gaol dates to 1865 and became a private residence upon its closure in 1907 through to the 1940's. Special mention of Barry, the volunteer extraordinaire on the day for his enthusiasm and knowledge.

9. Toodyay Miniature Trains

2 Harper Rd Duidgee park, Toodyay, Western Australia 6566 Australia +61 417 299 850 http://www.toodyay.com/Exploring-Toodyay/Attractions/Toodyay-Miniature-Railway
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Toodyay Miniature Trains

Reviewed By drew22PerthAustralia - Perth, Australia

I thought it was about time I paid a visit to Toodyay again, I did my research and discovered to my surprise that there was a miniature railway there, it has been there since 1996, and I had never before realised it! Trains are one of my favourite things (the Sound of Music just popped into my head, I wonder why?), anyway the weather was pretty good so off I went. Now it is a reasonable way at around 70kms from where I live, or 89km's from Perth City but why not make a day of it including maybe a lunchtime BBQ, plenty of things for the kids to do in Duidgee Park , e.g. the train, park amusements, or if that's not your idea of fun maybe a restuarant, or a pub lunch. Check Tripadvisor for things to do in Toodyay. The trains are great, depending on what locomotives are in service (each operating day is different) you may have a steam engine, a diesel, or even a scaled down railcar just like the real Prospector* taking you 1.1 kms through the bushland park, be sure to keep an eye out for the kangaroo's, cheeky sheep, and a bushie along with their horse and dog, amongst others. *the real Prospector is a Transwa Perth to Kalgoorlie Railcar service, it will stop in Toodyay ONLY if prebooked. The Toodyay Miniature Railway tickets are very reasonable at $3 for adults/big kids and $2 for children. Trains are frequent but do not run to a set timetable, basically if you arrive and the train is in the station, off you go!! The railway volunteers are very friendly, and very professional. With regard to your health and safety; all trains carry a guard who sits at the back of the train so enjoy the experience but please adhere to any safety signs/ instructions. The train runs 11am - 3pm on the 1st and 3rd Sundays from East Saturday to November, Wednesday in School Term Holidays and most Public Holidays. Although there are other sights to see such as Connor's Mill (original restored and preserved mill), or the monthly Toodyay Farmer's Market. It might be an idea if you are coming from Perth to give the Toodyay Visitor's centre a call ahead to check on the Mini Train and other activities. Getting there: by car is easy enough and the roads well maintained with generally a 100km limit, the trip will take about 1 to 1 half hours, HOWEVER, PLEASE TAKE EXTRA CARE ON COUNTRY ROADS. Sadly, although there is public transport, the train at least once a day in either direction it is not a practical option for visiting the Toodyay Miniature Railway as the Sunday Transwa service arrives Toodyay late afternoon and returns Perth early evening. Car Hire is the next best option, a taxi is feasible but $170-200 one way (info according to Rome2Rio website) A great day out for all. Mini Train information correct as of 20/10/2020 Cheers Drew_22au

10. York Art Antiques collectables

53 Avon Terrace, York, Western Australia 6302 Australia +61 432 078 603
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

York Art Antiques collectables

Art and Antiques presented in the oldest bakery in York 1870.

Reviewed By Q7840EUdanl - Bunbury, Australia

Luckily we ventured to Blandstown Village and spotted this Aladdin's Cave of collectibles, antiques and aboriginal art. Helpful lady in the shop, always ready to advise and answer queries. Some of the indigenous art an absolute standout.

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