Wander in Wyalkatchem

Follow in the footsteps of prospectors visiting Wyalkatchem. Nicknamed 'Wylie' by locals, the central Wheatbelt town of 470 was once a preferred pitstop for miners seeking their fortunes on the Goldfields track and features along Pioneers' Pathway drive trail. It is situated 206km northeast of Perth via Mundaring and Cunderdin.

Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by Wyalkatchem's big attraction - two large claw-like "Grain Elevators". The eye-catching entrance honours its industrial pioneering, changing how wheat was handled in the region with the town dubbed "The Cradle of Bulk Handling." Several murals in town creatively depict its agricultural past.

There are a few explanations for the town's name. One is tied to an indigenous trooper named 'Wylie' who used to catch criminals. The other was inspired by the indigenous name 'Walkatching', first recorded for a waterhole in the 1870s. It went through slight spelling variations towards the end of the 19th century during consultation of where the tank should be built. It was then constructed by sandalwood cutters in 1881. In 1911, the town's official spelling changed to Wyalkatchem.

Things not to miss in Wyalkatchem

Wyalkatchem CBH & Agricultural Museum

Appreciate the town's rural history by visiting the Wyalkatchem CBH & Agricultural Museum. Located on a heritage railway site, the museum features over 500 relics from the 20th century, including rare tractors, dozers, agricultural machinery, vintage motor vehicles, and more. Many come for its main lure, a fully restored 1914 John Deere "Waterloo Boy" tractor, one of a few remaining in Australia.

The main museum building is housed in a 1936 "K" type wheat bin believed to be the oldest in preservation. It also includes purpose-built display buildings and the "The Bushel" Community Resource Centre.

Korrelocking Nature Reserve

See the best of Wyalkatchem's natural assets with a visit to Korrelocking Nature Reserve. The protected area contains remnant woodlands and beautiful granite rock formations. In spring, see carpets of wildflowers turn the bushland reserve into a vivid spectacle. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Korrelocking Walk Trail. The 1.4km loop is classed as easy and takes roughly 20 minutes to complete. The reserve is also a great spot for a scenic picnic.

Wyalkatchem Rodeo

Put on your cowboy boots and don your best western attire for the annual Wyalkatchem Rodeo. The weekend camping festival extravaganza in August includes a main rodeo event, live music, food and clothing stores onsite and is suited for all ages.

Walk-A-Wyal Walk Track

See another side to Wyalkatchem embarking on the Walk-A-Wyal Walk Track, also known as Wylie Walk. The easy 5.6-km loop trail takes roughly 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. It traverses native bush, the golf club, and wheat bins and is a great place for wildflower spotting when in season.