Australia's Golden Outback 2024 Holiday Planner

At a Glance

Wreath Flower

Shire of MORAWA

WHAT’S ON Australia Day – 26 Jan 2024 NAIDOC – July 2024 Bi-Annual Art Awards and Exhibition – Aug 2024 Speedway – Oct 2024 Christmas Festival Dec – 2024 TOP ATTRACTIONS Karara Rangeland Park / War Rock / Widimia Trail / Koolanooka Springs / Bilya Rocks WILDFLOWERS TO DISCOVER Wreath Flower / Schoenia / Beaufortia / Verticordia / Cornflower

MORAWA 370km north of Perth

between two Aboriginal tribes many years ago. The gnamma hole is usually full of water particularly after heavy rains. Bilya Rock Located 20km north of Morawa is a large granite outcrop, surrounded by bushland, making it an enjoyable place for picnicking and bushwalking. On top of the rock is a large cairn of rocks built by John Forrest. Koolanooka, meaning, ‘place of plenty wild turkey’ is an ideal place for a picnic. It is also an ideal area to see the wildflowers or to gain a picturesque view of the surrounding land from the top of the ironstone formations that encapsulate the springs. Historic Canna Store Built in 1929, the Canna Store is owned by Sue and Paul Offszanka who have a wealth of knowledge of local flora and fauna. Please note this location provides information only; food or fuel are not available in Canna. Maps can be found The Morawa Museum is located on Prater Street and is run by the Morawa District Historical Society. The Museum hosts a vast collection of memorabilia, including the world’s sixth largest collection of windmills, a wide array of farming implements and machinery of historical interest, and the original Morawa Police Station. Koolanooka Springs Koolanooka, meaning, ‘place of plenty wild turkey’ is an ideal place for a picnic, see the wildflowers and gain a outside the store. Morawa Museum

T he Shire of Morawa is located on the traditional lands of the Yamatji People and their ongoing connection to its land, water and culture is still evident in the district today. Morawa’s recent history began when Sir Augustus Charles Gregory travelled through the area in 1846. In 1896, Sir John Forrest carried out exploratory trips around the present Morawa district, with the first farmers settling in the early 1900s. Morawa was declared a town in 1912. Morawa is often referred to as the ‘Heart of the Wildflower Country’. Its shire is one of the most prolific areas for native flowering plants. If you roam through its numerous reserves from late July to early October you will come across many species of flowers that are unique to this district. The Shire of Morawa has some of the clearest and darkest night skies, ideal for stargazing. Bring your telescopes and cameras to fully capture this pristine environment, or simply look skyward to soak it in. PLACES TO VISIT War Rock and Pintharuka Dam Hills at Pintharuka come alive with white everlastings during wildflower season. The surrounding bushland hosts a variety of birds, flowers, mammals and reptiles. In the backdrop are the Moonagin, Karrakarook and Milhun Ranges, which change their colours when the everlastings are blooming right to their tops. Legend has it that War Rock received its name when war occurred

MORAWA VISITOR CENTRE Winfield Street, Morawa (open July to Oct) T: (08) 9971 1421 E: admin@morawa.wa.gov.au W: morawa.wa.gov.au

Hermitage ‘Priest’s Cell’

picturesque view of the surrounding land from the top of the ironstone formations that encapsulate the springs. The picnic area provides barbeque and toilet facilities.

70 | The Wheatbelt | australiasgoldenoutback.com