Morawa was first explored by Europeans in 1869 by legendary explorer John Forrest and his crew. However, it was over 30 years later that the first settlement occurred, with the town eventually being gazetted in 1912. Morawa gets its name from an original map of the area, in 1910, depicting a rock hole named ‘Morawa’. This name is believed to have derived from the local Aboriginal word, ‘Morowa’ meaning Dalgite, a burrow digging marsupial. In 1966 iron ore was discovered and soon mined and exported for the following 8 years. This was a momentous occasion, not just for the town of Morawa, but for Australia as a whole as this was the first iron ore to be exported from Australia. Today Morawa is a quiet sheep and farming town, boasting impressive displays of wildflowers!

Attractions

Koolanooka Hills Mine Site

Lying 20kms East of Morawa, Koolanooka Hills Mine Site was the area that iron ore was first exported out of Australia. Covering an area of over 1000 acres, this huge expanse of mining activity can be seen with panoramic views from the newly constructed lookout point. The mine is also surrounded by an abundance of flora, fauna and seas of wildflowers, providing a stunning contrast of red dirt and greenery of the surrounding nature!

Rock Formations

The rock formations in area of Morawa are quite impressive and historically significant! Bilya Rock is located 30kms North of Morawa offering a scenic place for a picnic and some bushwalking. This large granite outcrop has many informative panels surrounding the rock exploring the history of the area, accompanied by an impressive silhouette of an explorer. On the summit of Bilya Rock, a cairn can be seen, supposedly placed there by the above-mentioned explorer John Forrest, although this is shrouded by mystery due to the lack of evidence that he actually placed it here!

A bit closer to Morawa, only 16kms away, is War Rock. Legend has it that this was the point where two local Aboriginal tribes fought, leading to the appropriate name of the rock. As a result of its name and folklore, there are silhouettes of warring warriors coupled with information signs of the history of the area. As well as an important gnamma hole in the granite, a dam providing the official supply of water for the town is located here at War Rock, constructed way back in 1937! Wildflowers are an annual sight seen here during the Spring, a beautiful sight that’s a must for any visitors!

Fun Facts

Distance from Perth: 367kms North
Population: 750
Postcode: 6625
Founded: 1912