Broomehill
The town of Broomehill developed after the completion of the Great Southern Railway between Perth and Albany in 1889.
Prior to this, Eticup, a coaching
stop on the Albany road 8km west of Broomehill, was the only town in the
area.
Situated at the gate of Eticup farm (once the inn) is a plaque identifying
the layout of the town. It's hard to imagine that this thriving community,
which boasted stores, an inn, blacksmiths and dwellings, ever existed.
You can get a feel for the past, and what it was like before those pioneers relocated to Broomehill, by taking a short drive to the Eticup Cemetery on Greenhills Road. Only four headstones remain, but it is believed that over 30 people are buried there.
Sightseeing
The Jones Building
NOW OPEN!!!!
Built in 1911, this was the shopping centre of its day, where you could buy
everything from flour to bullets - and bank your money at the same time. This newly renovated Heritage building is not to be missed. The proprietors Jim and Annabel would like to invite you to walk in or book a unique
European dinning experience. Fastly becoming not only renowned as a impressive heritage building but as a popular eating place delivering affordable and delicious array's of culinary delights that can often only be found in the up
market restaurants in major Australian cities. Taste or buy local wines, learn about Broomehill's past and future in an upmarket but relaxed homely atmosphere. Opening hours; Tues & Wed 10am - 5pm, Thurs thru Sat 9.30am - late and Sunday 9.00am - 6.00pm. For bookings
phone 08 9824 1513
Walk the Village
Broomehill has many interesting sites to see and walking through the village
is the best way to see them. The walk will take a couple of hours, depending
on whom you meet along the way. There is a map available or you can take a
guided walk. However, prior arrangement must be made for the guided walk,
maximum 10 people at $5 per head. Contact Anne on 9824 1309.
Holland Track
Back in 1893, gold was discovered in Coolgardie and prospectors came from all
over Australia to seek their fortunes. The only route available from Albany
was via Northam and a shorter route was required.
Four brave men, one of whom was John Holland, set out from Broomehill in
April 1893 to carve a track to Coolgardie, which would take about two weeks
off travelling time. They arrived there two months later, having covered 330 miles of unexplored country and cut the longest continuous track in WA.
Not only did the Holland Track serve as a shorter route to the Goldfields, it also helped open up further settlements throughout the wheatbelt. Over the years, more than 18,000 hopeful pioneers and gold-diggers traversed the track.
Today you can still follow the Holland Track and detailed information and a map can be obtained from the Broomehill Shire. Best times to travel the track are autumn and, particularly, spring (wildflower season!).
St Elizabeth's Church
Originally built in 1892 as a police station, many a wayward miner and
odd thirsty farmer spent time in the cell, before it was decommissioned and
sold in 1951 for 450 pounds. So, what was once a place to hold sinners
became a church to save sinners! Open daily.
Post Office
The Broomehill Post Office is more than just a place to post off your holiday mail, this unique Hidden Treasure has been delivering mail to the Broomehill people
for over 100 years and has been recently renovated to include a small gift and stationary shop, so there will be no excuse for missing those special occasions on your holiday.
Call in and say Hi to Julie and Fozzy to also get local tourist information and brochures.
Wadjekanup Bridge and Hayfield Reserve
One of the oldest bridges in WA still standing, it can't handle cars but
you can walk across to the nearby Hayfield Reserve and enjoy the flora and
fauna. The pool here is where the locals used to cool off during the hot
summers and, even further back, it was an Aboriginal ceremonial site.
Nearby, the old Hayfield School, an 1854 pioneer grave and a hut built by
Prisoners of War can be found still standing. A detailed map can be picked
up from the Post Office, Shire or roadhouse.
Golf Course
This picturesque golf course will not only be enjoyed by the player, but the
avid nature lover will also find a walk through its surrounding bush a
pleasant surprise, particulary in spring if Orchids are what you are after. Visitors are welcome if you happen to be in Broomehill
between May and October local golf is played on Saturday arvo's - come and join us.
Museum
Every town has one and each one offers something unique.
Broomehill's is no different. Built in 1898, it has played many roles, including Town
Hall, Mechanic's Lodge and Church. Today it contains a treasure chest of
interesting machinery and memorabilia. Well worth contacting Anne
9824 1309 or Ern 9824 1378, who are happy to open the doors.
Living Guest Book
If you would like to commemorate your visit to Broomehill you can adopt a tree and have a plaque errected at the Living Guest Book Walk Trail,
which is situated near the Caravan Park, contact the Shire for more information.
Picnic Spots
If a picnic spot is what you are looking for then the Broomehill township has two lovely shady spots to stop. Holland Park is situated at the rear of the Shire Offices
and the Centenary Park opposite the Hotel. There is plenty of parking for your caravan. If you have a little spare time and like a bush walk and nature then you maybe pleasantly surprised
in what the natural bush surrounding the town has to offer.
Accommodation
Imperial Hotel - a genuine, old country pub with open, friendly bar and traditional hospitality. Stay the night and see if you can spot the resident ghost. 25 beds, counter meals and friendly rates. Contact Julie for bookings on 9824 1222 or fax 9824 1119.
Broomehill Caravan Park - A lovely little oasis with 8 bays (can double up) and 4 powered grassed sites, camping sites and campers' undercover area, BBQ area and dumping point. Free washing facilities. Contact Broomehill Shire 9824 1245 or a/h Carol 0428 253 073.
Food & Drinks
Broomehill Roadhouse The Broomehill Roadhouse is under new management, dont be fooled it's the people and the inside that will impress. A real Hidden Treasure that is open 7 days a week from 7.00am to 8.00pm. The Roadhouse has undergone extensive renovations in the past 12 months and now boasts a pleasant restaurant/cafe area. Travellers can get a variety of meals both sit down and take-away, it also has a variety of stock to suit all your travel requirements. If your the driver you can get a great free coffee tell Chris the Hidden Treasures sent you.
Wadjekanup River Wines - Fast establishing a reputation as a premium drop. Tastings by appointment only. Contact Jim & Annabelle on 9825 3064 or the wine is available at the Jones's Building or Broomehill Imperial Hotel.
Maps and extra information for all attractions can be found at the Shire, Post Office and Roadhouse, and you may also like to visit the Shire of Broomehill website or phone 9824 1245.
