Woodanilling
Welcome to wonderful Woodanilling.
A few of the best things about Woody - as it is called locally - are the people, the community spirit and the historical buildings which are all creeping up towards the 100-year old mark. Wonder if they'll get a telegram from the Queen?
Landcare is big in Woodanilling Shire. Farmers are working hard to address salt and waterlogging problems with innovative solutions. The Wagin / Woodanilling Landcare Zone was the 2005 State winner and the 2006 National winner of the Alcoa Community Landcare Award.
The big rust-coloured ball at the entrance to the Kunmallup property was used to clear bushland in this area. It was built in the 1940's from thick steel plate which was welded together much like the segments of an orange. It was towed between two bulldozers, connected by a thick steel cable which ran through the pulley attached to the axis on the front of the ball. There was a large wooden tail on the side opposite the pulley which acted as a counterbalance
and kept the cable high enough off the ground so that larger-sized trees could be knocked over. The bulldozers drove between 45m and 100m apart, depending on the density and size of the bush that was being cleared.
Sightseeing
Important Heritage Sites - the Town Hall, Agriculture Hall, Blacksmith Shop, National Bank and Cottage Hospital.
Woodanilling Tavern
When you get to town, it's probably a good idea to drop in at the
Woodanilling Tavern to get your bearings. Built in 1908, this is a fine
example of Federation-style architecture. Standing in the public bar you
can imagine the characters who've been here over the years and the stories
that have been told.
You might find some friendly locals here and they love a chat. Country
people are known to enjoy a cold beer occasionally, but only if it's a hot
day!
Woodanilling Hospital
Opened in 1918, when the population of Woodanilling was at its height. Being
so isolated, a medical facility was a must in those days and, even though it
is now used as a private dwelling, it's worth stopping off to reflect on how
medical facilities have advanced since then.
Richardson Store
If you had a town, you had to have a general store, and at one time
Woodanilling had five of them. This one is the last of the originals and it was
built in 1880. In fact, it's one of the earliest commercial buildings still
standing in the whole region. It looks small and quaint now, but Richardson & Company had six branches
around the wheatbelt, so they must have been doing something right.
It's currently used as an Op Shop, so in many ways it's still serving the
town. Go in and buy something and pretend you're one of the pioneers.
Woodanilling Railway Siding
Like many of the smaller communities along the Great Southern Railway,
stations like this were built to service the growing rural population and
act as a delivery point for the Sandalwood trade. The station was built in
the roaring '20s and gives visitors an idea of what Woodanilling was like
in its heyday.
Queerearrup Lake
Approximately 30 km from the Woodanilling townsite on Ashwell Road, this
large salt lake has been a favourite playground for generations and was
once a popular ski area. Subject to seasonal rains, this activity can still
be enjoyed. As well as being a lovely place for a picnic, it is ideal for
canoe enthusiasts. Gliding around on the water you'll see the large variety
of water birds that live here, including the beautiful black swan.
Martup Pool
On the edge of Albany Highway, just south of Robinson Road, this is a
great spot to cool off and appreciate its natural beauty.
For more information, please visit the Shire of Woodanilling website.
