Toodyay Western Australia
The Avon River Meanders through this beautiful town offering the visitor a unique day trip or weekend opportunity. Toodyay boasts some of the finest examples of 19th century history in Western Australia with architecture in town still reflecting the early convict era.
At a Glance
This is a farming area with a good community which is welcoming to visitors.
Where is Toodyay?
Toodyay is 85 kilometres north-east of Perth.
Toodyay is an inland town situated in the Wheatbelt area of the Experience Perth tourist region. Toodyay is surrounded by the undulating farmlands of the scenic Avon Valley. The town serves as an administrative centre for the surrounding farms. One of the best ways to get to Toodyay is to hire a car from Perth Airport.
Things to see in Toodyay
Avon Valley National Park
The park features forests and granite outcrops as well as panoramic views over the Avon Valley. The Avon River from which the park takes its name, meanders through the park and at some points the slopes rise over 200m either side of the river. There is a great chance to see over 90 species of Australian birds. Part sof the national park are heavily forested with Jarrah and Marri trees, creating ideal habitats for native Australian wildlife. Camping is available and there are many hiking trails.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
The Cola Museum
This unique museum features over 5000 items of Coca-Cola Memorabilia, started over forty years ago. The 50's music and displays bring the memories flooding back. From humble beginnings in 1886, Coca-Cola is the world's soft drink enjoyed millions of times a day all over the globe.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Connor's Mill Museum
Australia's finest example of a working flour mill display. Using original 19th century machinery and driven by a 27 tonne steam engine. Have a look and listen to the hum of the machinery as it was in the 19th century, the only flour mill in Australia to have twins born on the top floor.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
Coorinja Wines
Sisuated next to Harper's Brook and established in the late 1870's, operating as a winery continuously since its establishment. Adjacent to the Toodyay to Perth Road around 6km from Toodyay, producing a selection of both table and fortified styles. Open Monday to Saturday.
What's the weather like?
Toodyay has a typical Mediterranean climate with warm Summers and cool, wet Winters. The rolling hills of the Avon Valley create slightly higher rainfall than it's northern neighbors and the town has pleasant weather most of the year. In Summer (December to February), the average maximum temperature is 34°C with an average minimum temperature of 15°C. In Winter (June to August), the average maximum temperature is 18°C with an average minimum temperature of 2°C.
Get to know Toodyay's history
Founded by Ensign Dale in October 1831, the name of Toodyay is derived from an Aboriginal word 'duigee' which means 'place of plenty'. This name related to the richness and fertility of the area and the reliability of the Avon River.
The original settlement was established on the Avon River some five kilometres west of the present town. That area flooded badly in the wet season, and in 1860 it was decided to move to the present town site. The town was named "Newcastle". In 1911 the original name of Toodyay was adopted to avoid confusion with the town of Newcastle in New South Wales.