Visit Victoria Plains - The Spirit of the Wheatbelt

We invite you to embark on a journey to the heart of Western Australia’s beautiful Wheatbelt, where the landscapes are as rich in history as they are in natural beauty. Victoria Plains, a hidden gem within this expansive region, offers a unique experience for those seeking a peaceful retreat or an exploration of rural charm.

The Spirit of the Wheatbelt is alive and vibrant here – where the golden fields stretch endlessly, the air is filled with the sounds of nature, and the warmth of the community welcomes you with open arms. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the farming heritage, seasonal wildflowers, or admire the vast night skies, Victoria Plains promises a memorable experience.

Join us and explore the historical sites, enjoy the local produce, and take in the serenity of the land that has shaped this incredible region. From scenic drives to local events, there’s always something new to discover in Victoria Plains.

Bolgart

Bolgart derives its name from a nearby spring. The spring was discovered and the name recorded by explorer George Fletcher Moore in 1836. The area was settled in the 1840s and one of the first settlers, J Scully, named his property Bolgart. The townsite was gazetted in 1909. The name of the town is Aboriginal in origin and means place of water.

The town was struck by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake on 11 March 1952 followed by several aftershocks. The earthquake was felt as far away as Perth, where taller buildings were rocked.

The main industry in town is wheat farming with the town being a Cooperative Bulk Handling receival site. A railway line runs through Bolgart, which was the terminus of the Newcastle–Bolgart Railway before it was extended to Miling and became the Clackline–Miling railway.

Calingiri

Calingiri is a town located 143km north-east of Perth. The town derives its name from Calingiri Waterhole, the name of which was first recorded by a surveyor in 1903. The settlement was first proposed in 1914. By the time the town was gazetted in 1917 it was variously spelt as Calingtry, Kalingiri, The Washpool, Kalingary, Calingarra, Calingtry, Calingiry, Kalingiry and finally Calingiri

Home to a population of 332, the main industry in town is wheatfarming.

Calingiri is the administrative centre of the Shire of Victoria Plains. Facilities in the town include the shire office, public library, sports ground, primary school, general store and post-office. Visitors can pop into the Shire office for tourist information, maps, visitor guides and to get the inside scoop on what's going on around the region.

Wyening Mission

Wyening mission and winery is located 13km south of Calingiri. Now privately owned, the buildings are gradually being restored. The farm was established in 1878 by Bishop Salvado, founder of the Benedictine Community at New Norcia.

The Benedictine Monks operated Wyening Mission as a pastoral station, poultry farm and winery for over 90 years and the Mission House became an important community centre for the area.

The Wyening Mission is open to the public by appointment only.

Piawaning

The townsite of Piawaning is located in the northern agricultural region, 160 km north-east of Perth and 28 km north-east of New Norcia. This locality is a small grain storage and shipment settlement on the junction of the Bindi Bindi-Toodyay and Waddington-Wongan Hills Roads. The town came about through the northern extension of the Toodyay - Bolgart railway. This occurred in 1919, and the town was gazetted in 1920. The town is named after nearby Piawaning Spring which has been included on maps since 1877.

The nearest shop is a few kilometres south at Yerecoin.

Gillingarra

Gillingarra is a small farming community nestled between the Moore River and the Babilion Ranges, approximately 1.5 hours from Perth.

Gillingarra Important Bird Area is an 83 km² tract of land in the of on the former Midland Railway line.

It includes the nature reserve of Gillingarra and Koodjee with a large area of privately owned farmland. It features a beautiful seasonal display of wildflowers.

Mogumber

Mogumber is a very small town located on the Moora to Bindoon Road. Buildings are spread out, so the centre of town comprises mostly of the old post office and tavern. The area features one of the highest timber and concrete bridges in WA which sits 12metres above the picturesque Moore River. The bridge was opened in 1984 connecting Moora to Perth.

Yerecoin

Yerecoin is a tiny, yet thriving little town located 156km from Perth. Wheat and sheep farming dominate the economy, with huge CBH grain bins being a prominent feature in the landscape.

Yerecoin has an excellent caravan facility, playground and modern tennis courts along with a general store and rural supplies depot.

New Norcia

“A piece of Old Spain in the middle of the Australian bush” is Australia’s only monastic town and has a unique heritage. Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks, the town has had many purposes, a mission, a monastery, a provider of education and now as a place of spiritual retreat.

Delve into the town's unique history, discover the ongoing and completed work necessary for the upkeep and restoration of this special part of Australia.

But it is not only the majestic buildings set amongst the Australian bush that sets New Norcia apart; its history is also encapsulated in the archival records of New Norcia and in the library and museum collections.