Perenjori, a small town in Mid West WA, has a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by the Kalaamaya Aboriginal language group. It is a picturesque wheatbelt town in the heart of Western Australia's wildflower country. The town is known for its charming main street, complete with large stands of gum trees, and has become a popular stopover for travellers exploring the region. The town's primary appeal lies in its beautiful scenery and rich history, which can be traced back to the arrival of Sir John Forrest.

The area was first explored by John Forrest in 1869, but it wasn't until 1894 that gold was discovered by George Woodley at Rothsay, leading to a settlement boom and the development of the nearby town of Rothsay. Although the Rothsay mine was eventually closed down in 1902, the arrival of the railway line in 1915 helped to sustain the town's growth. The improved cropping methods eventually saw the district prosper, leading to the town being officially established in 1916.

Although the mine was reopened in 1935 by an entrepreneur named Claude de Bernales, it closed again in 1939, leaving behind deserted buildings, foundations of the gold battery, and the graves of some miners who died in the isolated settlement. In 1940, a bulk wheat facility was built in the town capable of holding 220,000 bushels. Today, the town has a major loading facility for iron ore, which is hauled from Mount Gibson.

Agricultural History

In 1905, Dan Woodall arrived in the region and became the first permanent white settler. He managed Perangery Station, while in 1906, Matt Farrell started carting goods from Rothsay to Yalgoo and Mount Magnet, and he marked trees where he wished to take up land in the region. Following Matt's lead, his brothers Thomas, William, Matthew, and George also took up land there. The Lands Department approved agricultural lots of 1,000 acres, a significant departure from the large pastoral leases previously granted.

The first crops in the area were sown by hand from 1911 to 1913 and were mainly used for horse feed, home food, hay, and seed wheat. The railway line was officially opened in 1915, and at that time, the town's population was only 100. Today, Perenjori is one of the largest agricultural shires in Western Australia, boasting a mix of farming, pastoral, and mining leases. The region has four Co-operative Bulk Holding (CBH) receival points and local farmers grow a wide range of cereals and legumes.

The development of agriculture in Perenjori has been significant, with farmers embracing new technologies and techniques to improve their yields. From humble beginnings of sowing crops by hand, farmers in the region have been able to increase their productivity and output to support the local economy. Today, Perenjori's agricultural sector plays a crucial role in Western Australia's economy, and the town's rich history is a testament to the hard work and determination of the early settlers who carved out a life in this rugged and challenging landscape.

Attractions

Church of St Joseph

Perenjori is home to a magnificent church constructed by the renowned Western Australian architect-priest Monsignor John Hawes. This church is situated at the western end of town on Carnamah Road and boasts a rich history that is explained on a sign outside its premises.

The church was designed while Hawes was busy drawing up plans for two other parish churches, overseeing the construction of St. Mary in Ara Coeli in Northampton, and travelling long distances on horseback as an active parish priest. The design is stark, utilitarian, and much less of a blend of architectural styles than most of Hawes' other works, with its design being heavily influenced by Father Benedict Williamson's book “How to Build a Church”.

Inside the church, visitors can see a large stone baldachino (canopy) above the high altar, supported by two massive columns that look very similar to one of the illustrations in Williamson's book. Another impressive internal feature is the baldachino's fascia, which has a frieze carved by Hawes depicting Christ and the twelve apostles. However, the Public Works Department insisted on installing structurally supportive metal braces in the nave roof, which John Hawes vehemently opposed. Unfortunately, the lack of funds meant that the planned bell tower was never added, further accentuating the building's functional appearance.

Camel Soak

Camel Soak, located 47km east of Perenjori on the Perenjori-Rothsay Road, is a popular picnic spot known for its natural beauty and tranquil scenery. The area features fascinating rock formations and beautiful pools of water that attract native wildlife, including kangaroos and emus. Children enjoy exploring the area and spotting the large tadpoles, while orchids can sometimes be found around the rock's base (depending on the season).

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a relaxing and memorable outing at Camel Soak, which offers BBQ facilities and an enviro toilet. The site's granite catchment, also known as "The Rock Hole," was initially created as a watering point for men and their camel teams who worked on the No. 2 Rabbit Proof Fence from 1903 to 1905.

John Forrest Lookout

Sir John Forrest established his survey point on a hill during an 1897 expedition, now known as John Forrest Lookout. The lookout is part of the Damperwah Hills, discovered and named by Forrest during his 1869 search for explorer Ludwig Leichhardt. Visitors can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding station country from the lookout.

Forrest's expedition revealed that minerals in the ground affected his compass. He suggested that geologists examine the area, which is now fitting as the region's reputation as an iron ore province grows.

Rothsay Ghost Town

Rothsay is an authentic ghost town that once thrived during the gold rush of the 1890s. Today, all that remains are abandoned structures, such as the mine manager's house and strong room, and the foundations of the gold battery and derelict shaft, serving as reminders of the area's rich history. However, it is essential to exercise caution when exploring the old town site, as many of the former mine shafts still exist.

Rothsay Heritage Trail

The Rothsay Heritage Trail is a 180km self-drive tour that explores the early history of Perenjori and Rothsay, highlighting their connection to gold mining and agriculture. For the more daring explorers, a four-wheel drive version of the trail is available, which takes a back route to Rothsay Mine.

Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail

Perenjori serves as the entrance to the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail, commemorating the remarkable contributions of architect-priest Monsignor John Hawes to the region. The trail showcases 15 buildings designed by Monsignor Hawes and other sites relevant to his life. His designs are among Western Australia's most noteworthy architectural accomplishments, and some regard him as the foremost ecclesiastical building designer in the region. The cultural value of his work is inseparably and distinctively intertwined with Australia's natural surroundings.

Monsignor Hawes’ architectural vision was ahead of his time. He designed and constructed buildings that seamlessly blended into their surroundings and were well-suited for the local environmental conditions. Even when he was stationed in other countries, such as the Bermudas, he continued to create remarkable structures. Consequently, the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Trail has garnered international attention, with each of the 15 churches on the trail possessing distinct features and characteristics.

Perenjori Museum

The Pioneer Museum can be found on Fowler Street, situated in a historic bank building constructed in 1929. In 1987, the Perenjori Museum Committee converted the manager's residence into a museum featuring an array of artifacts from the area's rich history. The museum houses a fascinating collection of farming equipment, such as ploughs, binders, seeders, and trucks. Additionally, visitors can admire a magnificent mural depicting the region's agricultural past. The museum is open to the public from July to October, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

No. 2 Rabbit Proof Fence

The Vermin Proof Fence, or No. 2 Rabbit Proof Fence, stretches across the Perenjori-Rothsay Road for 37 km and runs north to south. Although originally built to combat rabbits, it is now primarily used to control wild dogs and emus. Warning signs are posted, indicating the presence of surveillance cameras, fines for violators, and poison baits. The fence is also regularly patrolled and carefully maintained.

Wildflowers

Between July and October, Perenjori bursts into life with stunning exhibitions of wildflowers. Visitors can admire the vast expanses of pink, white, and yellow everlastings, the distinctive and unique Wreath Flower (Leschenaultia Macrantha), and the impressive groves of wattle that populate the region.

Bird Watching

Perenjori is also a bird-watching haven with diverse habitats that attract a wide variety of native birds. Elusive Bush Turkeys, Wedge-Tailed Eagles and endangered Mallee Fowl are among the many species you may encounter. Parrots, cockatoos, thornbills, zebra finches, honeyeaters, babblers, and fairy-wrens are just some of the other feathered residents that can be spotted here. Following rainfall, various water birds appear, including black swans nesting on small lake islands.

Charles Darwin Reserve

A diverse and thriving ecosystem situated within Australia's only internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot. The ancient woodlands and wildflower-dotted plains provide a rich habitat for a wide range of fauna, with various animals roaming freely throughout the reserve. The reserve is located in Western Australia's mid-west, approximately 355km northeast of Perth, with the nearest town, Perenjori, situated approximately 60km to the west.

You can take leisurely walks or drives through the reserve and be on the lookout for a range of species, including Malleefowl, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Peregrine Falcons, and Australian Bustards. You might even catch a glimpse of lizards basking on the scenic rocky outcrops that dot the property.

Karara Rangeland Park

The park comprises six former pastoral leases east of Perenjori: Warriedar, Burnerbinmah, Thundelarra, Lochada, Karara, and Kadji Kadji. These leases, which cover a vast area of 560,000 hectares, were purchased through State and Federal funding for conservation purposes.

Managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the park is unallocated Crown land to protect the area's biodiversity and heritage and provide recreational opportunities. While initially focused on controlling feral animals, wild dogs, and weeds, the DBCA is now preparing and promoting the park for tourism and recreation.

Fun Facts

Distance from Perth: 350km North
Population: 6620
Postcode: 617
Founded: 1916