Best Weekend Trips from Perth to York
Nestled on the banks of the Avon River in the gently rolling farmlands of the beautiful Avon Valley, the district offers unique insights into Western Australia’s rich and colourful past, both before and following European settlement in 1831. York was the first inland town in Western Australia, and the town has many historic, heritage-listed Victorian and Federation buildings. An abundance of local activities and facilities make it an attractive destination and a fantastic place to live.
Distance
York is located 97 km east of Perth and is easily accessible via the Great Southern Highway and you can enjoy a weekend trip from Perth to York.
Popular
York is a popular spot for skydiving and on your weekend trip from Perth to York don’t forget to enjoy it. enjoy skydiving.
Town Hall
York’s historic Town Hall was built in 1911. It is well worth a visit to view its jarrah floors and balustrading and pressed tin ceilings. The Town Hall and facilities are available for hire for your next special event.
Address: Joaquina Street, York
Phone: +61 (08) 9641 2233
Avon River Walk and Janet miller lane
It starts at the historic swinging (suspension) bridge, this 15 kilometer walk trail meanders along the Avon river and features fantastic views towards mount Bakewell.
Other walk trails available are
Golf Links Reserve Walk
Mount Brown Walk
Wildflowers of York
Traditional Custodians
We acknowledge the Ballardong Noongar People as the Traditional Custodians of this land.
York Visitor Centre: 81 Avon Terrace, York, Western Australia
Phone: (08) 9641 1301 Fax: (08) 96412202
York Residency Museum
A visit to the award-winning Residency Museum gives you a fantastic insight into the region’s history. It’s an ideal way to soak up some of York’s great atmosphere and find out fascinating stories about local people and places. The Museum is full of lively, colourful new exhibitions, professionally designed and covering a diverse range of themes.
Convict Depot
On your weekend trip from Perth to York visit the York residency Museum built during the 1850’s as the Depot Superintendent’s Quarters, this historic house is now the last remaining part of York’s Convict Depot. It then became the official home of the town’s Resident Magistrate hence the name, the Residency. It opened as a Municipal Museum in 1972 and continues to be managed by the Shire of York, with help from community volunteers.
Opening Times
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1- 3 pm and Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays 11 am – 3.30 pm
The Sock factory
It is the last remaining manufacturer of socks in WA selling a range of Australian made ugg boots, blankets, scarves, knitted jumpers and much more.
York Olive Oil & Ice Cream Co.
It is open Weekends and Public Holidays from 10 am -5 pm. It has a retail shop, award winning ice-cream, adventure playground, genuine woodfired sourdough bread baked on Saturdays and spectacular wildflower displays in the Spring. It is located on Ashworth Road, York.
What to buy
Visit Penny Farthing Sweets, 125 Avon Terrace, York where you can buy old favourites as well as unusual sugary treats. There are many antique and collectables stores too.for a unique trinket to bring home. And when it’s time for a pick me up, pop into
Other York Attractions include
York Motor Museum located at 116 Avon Terrace, York is open daily from 9 am-4 pm Telephone number 9641 1288, York Art Space & Glass Co. Joaquina Street, York is open from Thursday to Monday 9 am-3 pm. Telephone number 0438 984 118, York Bushland Garden at Corner Ford Street & Grey Street, York, Old Sandalwood Yards & Tipperary School Museum at 179 Avon Terrace, York is open on Saturday & Sunday 11 am-3 pm Fourth weekend of the month only, 9641 1765.
Perth to New Norcia
New Norcia – Australia’s only monastic town is a true escape from the everyday and is situated 130 km north east of Perth and within the Avon Valley region, is Australia’s only monastic town. Benedictine monks move quietly amongst historical buildings on their way to pray together seven times daily. New Norcia was established in 1847 as a mission for the local Aboriginal people by Spanish Benedictine monk Bishop Rosendo Salvado and it is still home to Benedictine monks and the monastery is one of the 27 heritage buildings listed on the National Estate.
Things to do
Among the things to do in New Norcia are being escorted on a town tour of the beautiful buildings, attend a weekend spiritual retreat in the monastery guesthouse, meet a Monk in the Monastery Parlour for a taste of monastic hospitality, browse the Art Gallery offering European religious art and contemporary Australian art, join the monks in their private chapel to pray – a 1500-year-old tradition, linger over a glass of Abbey Ale or New Norcia Abbey Wine at the New Norcia Hotel or else do nothing except soak up the peace of it all.
Monk Artists
Two talented monk artists were responsible for the stunning hand-painted frescoes and pressed metal ceilings which adorn the chapels and restful places of worship. You can enjoy these national treasures located within the buildings on a guided town tour departing from the Museum and Art Gallery at 11 am and 1.30 pm daily.
New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery
No visit to New Norcia is complete without a visit to the New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery which provides a fascinating insight into the monastery’s history and showcases a selection of Aboriginal artefacts. The art galleries are just as appealing with works ranging from traditional European religious art to funky Australian contemporary pieces.
Like this, Read this: Day trips from Perth to Toodyay, York, and Northam Australia
