Greenhills Heritage Trail - York
Details for trail on a map
Trail Start
Get directionsNear Greenhills Inn, Greenhills, in the Shire of York
Trail End
Get directionsNear St Andrew's Church, Greenhills, in the Shire of York
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The York-Greenhills Railway was opened on the 1st September 1898 after years of lobbying by the settlers in the York and Greenhills districts. Beside the railway line stood the Station and railway worker’s houses, no longer in existence today. Photo courtesy Mervyn Stephens & Greenhills Progress Association
The Greenhills Inn (originally called the Railway Hotel) was built in 1906
by one of the first female Publicans in Western Australia, Mary Ann McMullen.
Today it’s a popular destination with an enjoyable historic rural ambience.
Photo: Ronja Dirksen
by one of the first female Publicans in Western Australia, Mary Ann McMullen.
Today it’s a popular destination with an enjoyable historic rural ambience.
Photo: Ronja Dirksen
An odd mix perhaps? But they didn’t exist at the same time. Saleyards were built on this site c.1910. Many years after the saleyards ceased to function, the land was used as tennis courts until the mid-1960s. Photo courtesy Greenhills Progress Association
The Railway Hotel was built on this site approximately 1896-97 and operated until a new hotel [now the Greenhills Inn] opened in 1906. It then became Males’ Store, stocking hardware and groceries. Eventually dismantled, it was rebuilt it as a home in York, where it still stands today.
Photo courtesy Greenhills Progress Association
Photo courtesy Greenhills Progress Association
In 1912, Mary Ann McMullen had this hall built for the community
because the first Agricultural Hall at the original townsite
was considered too small for the district’s needs. Photo: Aiden Gentle
because the first Agricultural Hall at the original townsite
was considered too small for the district’s needs. Photo: Aiden Gentle
The central gazebo provides a shady rest stop along the trail, with further stories about Ballardong Noongar cultural heritage, George Meredith's Garage, the Greenhills Road Board and the Club Hotel. Photo: Alan Blyde
This building operated as a sub branch from November 1909 until April 1940.
Mrs Bell, the teller, was also a nurse and often called upon to assist the community as the nearest hospital was in York. Image courtesy Heather Mills
Mrs Bell, the teller, was also a nurse and often called upon to assist the community as the nearest hospital was in York. Image courtesy Heather Mills
The Post Office building was commissioned in 1898 by the Commonwealth. Completed in 1899, it served the district until 1956.
As a private house in 1984 it featured in the telemovie of Albert Facey's book ' A Fortunate Life'. Photo courtesy Mervyn Stephens & Greenhills Progress Association
As a private house in 1984 it featured in the telemovie of Albert Facey's book ' A Fortunate Life'. Photo courtesy Mervyn Stephens & Greenhills Progress Association
A store was built here by Jonathon Bult Harris of York in 1908 and became a Co-operative Store in 1919. The Co-op Store no longer exists, but the house you can see today was the Manager’s residence. Photo courtesy Greenhills Progress Association
Originally the site of a Blacksmith’s Shop, during the 1950s, Robert (Bob) Bailey, a mechanic, built a workshop, handcrafting the roof trusses and erecting the building himself. Bob’s ability to improvise and repair farm machinery was widely appreciated by the farmers of the area, until the late 1970s. Photo courtesy Roberta Jenkins
The exact origins of this well are uncertain, but it appears similar to a description for the construction of three wells in an advertisement of 1895 by the Greenhills Roads Board. It was used by local residents and the railway nearby. Don’t forget to make a wish when you visit! Photo: Aiden Gentle
Concrete footings are all that remain of the 50ft diameter cast iron turntable used for turning steam locomotives for the return journey back to York.
Near the turntable stood a large cast iron Engine Water Tank that held water pumped from the nearby well. Photo: Jeff Austin
Near the turntable stood a large cast iron Engine Water Tank that held water pumped from the nearby well. Photo: Jeff Austin
This paddock used to contain a well-used football oval, cricket pitch and grandstand for spectators. Greenhills Football players wore blue and white striped jerseys. Cricket was also very popular and many exciting matches were recorded here. Photo courtesy Greenhills Progress Association
The Greenhills Amateur Race Committee first held races near the railway station in April 1899. A train service ran from York to Greenhills on race days.
From 1904 until 1917 races were held at a new racecourse two miles from the station. Photo courtesy Graham Penny
From 1904 until 1917 races were held at a new racecourse two miles from the station. Photo courtesy Graham Penny
The school that once stood on this site was the weatherboard Bally Bally School building, previously situated from 1901-1910 on the Doodenanning Road, 6km from here. After relocation it was used here until 1945. Photo courtesy Graham Penny
The Bakery was owned by Herbert Taylor who lived in Greenhills from 1897-1909.
A popular subject for artists and photographers, it was restored in 2001 and is now the only existing building in this area of the townsite.
A Blacksmith’s shop and a General Store previously stood nearby. Photo: Ronja Dirksen
From here, retrace your steps back to the Greenhills Inn.
A popular subject for artists and photographers, it was restored in 2001 and is now the only existing building in this area of the townsite.
A Blacksmith’s shop and a General Store previously stood nearby. Photo: Ronja Dirksen
From here, retrace your steps back to the Greenhills Inn.
At the crossroads of Penny Drive and the York-Quairading Road, you can just see the foundations of the old townsite's Agricultural Hall, officially opened on 31 January 1896. Farmer’s meetings, social events and dances were held here until the Hall was dismantled in 1948. Photo courtesy Graham Penny
Opposite in the bushland,a school was built in 1895, opening in 1896 with Miss Georgina Elliot as the teacher for 15 boys and 5
girls. It ran until 1910, when more people lived at the new townsite and a school opened there. Photo courtesy Graham Penny
girls. It ran until 1910, when more people lived at the new townsite and a school opened there. Photo courtesy Graham Penny
This charming wooden Church opened in September 1912, with 130 people attending the first
service. It replaced the original St. Andrew’s Church, the remains of which can be seen in the Cemetery. Photo: Bernie Wagnor
service. It replaced the original St. Andrew’s Church, the remains of which can be seen in the Cemetery. Photo: Bernie Wagnor
A short walk through bushland takes you to the cemetery. The foundations in the centre are all that remain of the original St Andrew’s Church,
which was built in 1882 and constructed of stone.
Please tread carefully; there are many unmarked graves here. Photo: Tanya Warnock
which was built in 1882 and constructed of stone.
Please tread carefully; there are many unmarked graves here. Photo: Tanya Warnock
Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.
Learn moreAbout Greenhills Heritage Trail - York
Although classified as an urban walk, this trail is in the middle of idyllic, peaceful countryside!
A trail in two parts with interpretive signage at all points of interest, the main section is an inviting short 1.5 kilometre walking exploration of the present-day hamlet of Greenhills. The current townsite grew around the railway branch line from York that opened in September 1898 and still has the Greenhills Inn as its hub, as it has been since 1906.
A short 3 kilometre drive takes you to the old townsite section of the trail which centres on St.Andrew's Church at the crossroads of Penny Drive and the York - Quairading Road.
The Greenhills Heritage Trail is a community project by the Greenhills Progress Association., who thank all involved, especially Judy Binning, Barbara Ryan and Jenet Ryan whose dedicated efforts over many years have resulted in the information displayed on the trail.
This trail has 2 sections, section 1 is 1.5km, section 2 is 700 metres.
York Visitor Centre
Other Links
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Trail map
Trail map and further information
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York Visitor Centre
Further information about York
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Greenhills Progress Association
Facebook page with further information about places on the trail
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Greenhills Inn
History of the Greenhills Inn
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InHerit WA
State Heritage Office database of heritage places including St Andrews Church & cemetery
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Experience Perth
Comprehensive information on the Perth region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.
Be trail ready for Greenhills Heritage Trail - York
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
1 - 3 hours
Length
2.2 km
What To Pack
Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.
What To Pack
Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities)
- Full large water bottle per person.
- Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant.
- Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions (See suggestions below).
- Binoculars and camera (optional).
Difficulty Notes
Although the trail is short and very easy walking, a vehicle is recommended for transport between the two sections of the trail as there is no footpath on Penny Drive.
Hazards & Warnings
Snakes live in the countryside and may occasionally be seen, especially in warm weather. Many species are venomous. If encountered do not disturb or let dogs disturb.Facilities
Toilets, telephone and water access points are at the Greenhills Inn for patrons only.The Gazebo is good shady spot with seating and there are seats at the Bakery and St Andrew's Church.
- Car Park
- Coach Parking
- Dog Friendly
- Shaded Area
- Sheltered Area
Best time of year
All year round. Temperatures can be hot in January and February.
Trail Access
road
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Greenhills Heritage Trail
The Greenhills Heritage Trail is a community project by the Greenhills Progress Association.
Greenhills Inn (1906)
The Greenhills Inn (originally called the Railway Hotel) was built in 1906 by one of the first female Publicans in Western Australia, Mary Ann McMullen. Today it’s a popular destination with an enjoyable historic rural ambience.
Greenhills Bakery
The Bakery was owned by Herbert Taylor who lived in Greenhills from 1897-1909. A popular subject for artists and photographers, it was restored in 2001 and is now the only existing building in this area of the townsite. A Blacksmith’s shop and a General Store previously stood nearby.
St. Andrews Anglican Church (1912)(Old Townsite) State Registered Heritage Place no. 02821
This charming wooden Church opened in September 1912, with 130 people attending the first service. It replaced the original St. Andrew’s Church, the remains of which can be seen in the Cemetery.View 4 Photos of Greenhills Heritage Trail - York
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