5 reasons to stop in Dumbleyung

5 reasons to stop in record-breaking Dumbleyung

Dumbleyung is unlike any other Wheatbelt town. The small town, 270km southeast of Perth and 79km east of Lake Grace, is a record breaker. While most drive slowly through town, one mode of transport rocketed across it. In 1964, English thrill-seeker Donald Campbell put Dumbleyung on the world stage, breaking a water speed in a futuristic-looking blue hydroplane boat.

Discover more about this record-breaking town by visiting these five key attractions.

1. Bluebird Replica

While other towns may have a looming 'big' attraction, Dumbleyung has its famous Bluebird K7. On December 31, 1964, crowds amassed to watch Donald Campbell travelling at breakneck speed along Lake Dumbleyung – the largest open lake in the southwest – in his 'Bluebird' jet-propelled hydroplane to break the world record. And he did! Campbell zoomed across the lake at 444.71 kph. It was the second world record he achieved that year, earlier setting the land speed record at South Australia's Lake Eyre.

A replica of the record-breaking speed racer is located along Absolon Street. The undercover free exhibit includes a granite memorial, memorabilia, and information panels retelling this unique outback feat.

2. Donald Campbell Statue

See the speed demon immortalised with an abstract sculpture depicting Campbell located along Absolon Street. The uniquely designed artwork was created by artist Ivan Lovatt in 2017 using layers of galvanised chicken wire to create a realistic representation of Campbell ready to take off.

3. Bluebird Interpretive Centre

Can't get enough of Campbell's record-breaking joyride? Head to the Bluebird Interpretive Centre located in the Dumbleyung Community Resource Centre. The centre recaptures the story of Campbell's journey to break two speed records – on land and on water – in one year – the first milestone of its kind that had not been achieved before or since. There are many information displays as well as souvenirs for sale. The centre is opened weekdays.

4. Dumbleyung Historical Walk

Stretch your legs and get to know another side of Dumbleyung on an informative 2km walk through town. The self-guided Dumbleyung Historical Walk takes roughly two hours to complete and follows 29 plaques honouring the town's heritage sites, such as the historical precinct, a restored goldfields house and the town's most opulent landmark, the 1911-built Grande Olde' Dumbleyung Inn.

5. The Station Building Historical Display

Head to the southern end of Absolon Street to visit the town's Railway Precinct. The Station Building Historical Display is housed along the Wagin to Dumbleyung railway. Take a self-guided tour around the heritage station to gain more insight into Dumbleyung's history. Observe photographs, relics, and local history books and films delving into its past.

Entry into the railway station via calling the phone number listed on the signage to obtain an access code.