ACCOMMODATION DUMBARTON WA

Pecan Hill Bed and Breakfast is four kilometres out of Toodyay and offers peace and a true country experience in four spacious guest rooms. The guest house was built in 1996 with four spacious guest rooms. Three rooms have queen-size beds, the fourth has twin beds (or king-size), a trundle and is designed for wheelchair access. Each room has its own en suite bathroom with overhead heat lamps. The rooms are tastefully furnished and have excellent views of the Avon Valley through the glass sliding doors that access the wide veranda. All rooms are carpeted, have reverse cycle air-conditioning, overhead fan, electric blankets and tea and coffee making facilities. They have a large comfortable guest lounge with television, VCR, player piano, library, log fire and air-conditioning. Breakfast and dinner are served in the dining area, with all other meals or snacks available in the adjacent tearoom/museum. The saltwater pool has an inbuilt spa and is surrounded by gardens, paved areas and a pergola. Pecan Hill Bed and Breakfast is a one and a half hour drive east of Perth....

Visit the Old Gaol Museum Toodyay and you will feel like you have stepped back in time with the huge range of original artefacts on display. Explore the tiny cells and get a feeling of what life was like for the prisoners. Wander through the old Police stable and learn about Toodyay's colourful past. Built in 1865 out of stone and mortar, the Old Gaol Museum is one of only five remaining convict built gaols in Western Australia. Take a fascinating journey of discovery with displays that illustrate the history of the whole Toodyay region, as well as the Old Gaol itself. Each of the cells of the gaol display individual themes. These include a war tragedy memorial, domestic and childhood memories, as well as the tale of the infamous bushranger Moondyne Joe. Hear the story of how the gaol was built at the request of the Resident Magistrate who was utterly enraged by Moondyne Joe?s repeated daring escapes from a previous lock-up. Historic Toodyay is one of Western Australia?s oldest towns and is located less than a one hour drive from Perth. Enjoy the fascination of bygone bushranger days? right here at the Old Gaol Museum in Toodyay....

Pelham Reserve Lookout is just half a kilometre west of town and offers wonderful views over Toodyay. The memorial and native plant garden honours James Drummond, the colony's first resident botanist and a pioneer farmer of the Toodyay district. Take a nature walk through Pelham Reserve. Picnic sites and toilet facilities are available at the lookout....

Boasting some of Western Australia's finest examples of 19th century heritage, Toodyay and the Avon Valley will take you on a journey back in time, through some of Perth's most picturesque countryside. It's just a 90 minute drive or train ride east of Perth to reach Toodyay, making it a perfect day or weekend escape to immerse yourself in natural beauty and cultural heritage. The town's architecture is reminiscent of its early convict era, with attractions such as the Old Newcastle Gaol Museum and Connors Mill - Australia's finest example of a 1870s steam-driven flour mill - each showcasing a colourful past. A scenic drive through the Chittering and Avon valleys is a must at any time of year, but if your visit coincides with the first weekend in August, you'll get to witness one of Western Australia's most unique sporting events - the Avon Descent. Thrill seekers from across the nation and the world make their way to the Avon Valley to compete in this gruelling two day time trial. Continue your journey by visiting the nearby towns of Northam and York, while taking in the breathtaking valley scenery. Tour the region's wineries. Try your hand at archery, canoeing and fishing. Enjoy a lazy riverside picnic or barbeque in Duidgee Park. Or take a stroll through beautiful country gardens, lavender fields, olive groves and the carpets of wildflowers that light up the Avon Valley National Park in spring. Art lovers seeking an original piece should head for Toodyay's sculpture, pottery and art studios, which offer individually crafted works. Or, if your appetite craves a quick snack or hearty meal, make a beeline for the historic hotels, tearooms and alfresco cafes along Stirling Terrace. For your overnight stay, charming bed and breakfasts and luxury accommodation make for a romantic getaway, while caravan parks and camping grounds offer the ideal opportunity to sleep under a canopy of stars....

St Stephens Church of England was built in 1862 for Reverend Charles Harper who had been given a grant of 25 pounds in 1849 to build a church. The church still has pews which were sawn and built by convicts. Make sure you check out the wooden bell tower and large Flood Gum Tree in the churchyard....

Boshack Outback is a secluded and pristine bushland near Toodyay only 90 minutes from Perth. The 350 acre Eco property of lakes, springs, local farm stay with farm animals to feed, Boshack will offer you a memorable experience which gives you an insight into the traditions of the land?s indigenous inhabitants the Aboriginal and the lives of the European pioneers of 150 years ago. You will be taken on a journey of real Australian history, culture and heritage, a unique time to taste, feel and touch the true ?Nature Power? as described by a Feng Shui movie actress belonging to Dr Copa Japan and his filming crew. Listen to Aboriginal dreaming stories, play the Didgeridoo as Ernie Dingo did, when visited by The Great Outdoors for filming. Taste bush chocolate, emu, crocodile and kangaroo with local bush sauces and preserves, a short forest walk, try your hand at catching freshwater crayfish, taste our swinging billy tea, damper scones, jam and cream. ...

Witness a working demonstration of the milling process using traditional methods and historic machinery at Connor?s Mill in Toodyay. The three level immaculately restored heritage building also hosts the Toodyay Tourist Centre and gallery. If you are interested in local legends, the third level of this historic building is home to a feature display on the life and times of legendary bushranger Moondyne Joe. The triple-storey brick mill was originally constructed around 1870 and was owned by businessman Daniel Connor. It was operated as a steam-powered flour mill for around 50 years before being converted to a power house in the 1920s. Scenic Toodyay is one of Western Australia?s oldest towns and is located less than a one hour drive from Perth. It is home to a number of resident artists and galleries which compliment the rich heritage and historic feel of the town....