European exploration of Badgingarra dates back to 1848 when the Gregory Brothers trekked through the area on their way to the Gascoyne region. Just under 30 years later, in 1877, the name ‘Badgingarra’ was first recorded, with it said to be taken from the local Noongar people. This is their name for the nearby water hole named, ‘Badgingarra Pool’. It’s also here that the badgeon wattle grows. It wasn’t until 1948 that settlement occurred, with a small farm being built. The first acres of land were auctioned in 1952 with the town officially gazzeted in 1955.

Throughout the late 20^th century and early 21^st century, much constructions occurred with the erection of a primary school, research station and the Brand Highway, resulting in the town moving 7km West to be closer to it. Today Badgingarra is a small, quaint town that has experienced damaging natural disasters, such as a ferocious bush fire in 2010 and an extremely heavy downpour of rain in 2012, resulting in many farms flooding.

Attractions

Walks

Due to Badgingarra’s kaleidoscope of wildflowers, walks and trails are very popular, especially in wildflower season (August to November). The Iain Wilson Nature Trail, named after the late pioneer farmer Iain Wilson, is a 3.5km and 130 minute walk through the abundant flora and fauna! Although trail is generally used as one to view the array of wildflowers, emus, kangaroos are very common, with reptiles and wedgetail eagles also seen regularly. This trail has two lookouts and a steep hill climb, so make sure you bring a good camera and some sturdy foot wear !

One of Badgingarra’s other scenic walks is the Vern Westbrook Walk. This 1.5km heritage walk also allows you to gaze at the picturesque display of wildflowers, changing in colour by the season. The wildflowers aren’t the only attraction here though with this walk also being the site of a 70 million years old meteorite crater, named the Yallalie Meteorite Impact Zone. This area also came under some World War 2 preparations with ruins of old stockyards and trenches visible!

Waddi Emu and Wildflowers Farm

The Waddi Emu and Wildflowers Farm is a quirky place to visit in Badgingarra. This farm was operating in 1984, harvesting cereal crops and breeding sheep. However, at the turn of the century, this farm began to diversify, and now grows and harvests wildflowers as well raising emus for commercial purposes!

Fun Facts

Distance from Perth: 209km North
Population: 193
Postcode: 6521
Founded: 1955