York Self Drives - South of my day’s circle
Details for trail on a map
Trail Start
Get directionsYork Visitor Centre, York Town Hall, 100 km (1 hour plus) east of Perth
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A nationally significant landmark, its grand Edwardian opulence reflecting the town's prosperity through agriculture and the gold rushes of the 1890's. York Visitor Centre is located here. Photo: Shire of York
Setting out through Blandstown, the oldest part of York, look out for the former King’s Head Hotel, opened in 1848 by early York settler Robert Doncon. An advertisement in 1862 described the establishment as containing ‘a drawing room, parlour and dining room, ballroom, 10 bedrooms, bar and tap room, commodious kitchen and pantry with a large baker’s oven , also extensive cellarage" .
Photo: Shire of York
Photo: Shire of York
Another early hostelry was the Albion Inn, with the single storied annexe (the bar) built c1859. The building dates from c1860 and later, first licensed to W. Edgar in 1861.
A rare example of a colonial hotel, it was originally constructed with a large cellar. Photo: Shire of York
A rare example of a colonial hotel, it was originally constructed with a large cellar. Photo: Shire of York
Much older than the farming landscape are the surrounding hills which speak of Ballardong Noongar cultural heritage. Look out for the Wargyl (Rainbow Serpent) track to your right; bare land in a distinct trail up the hillside.
Photo: Shire of York
Photo: Shire of York
Look out to the left before reaching Gwambygine Park for a hillside cliff marked with deep brown-red streaks. A massacre took place near here in 1837 and these marks have become known as the symbolic blood of the Ballardong people killed in that attack. Photo: Shire of York
A great place to stay, or picnic, for those who love a natural bush setting but with modern amenities. Toilets, plenty of BBQ's and picnic facilities, an idyllic get away from it all in your RV, caravan or camping.
Photo: Shire of York
Photo: Shire of York
Discover connections to the past by wandering among the early settlers' graves in this tranquil sanctuary beside the Avon.
Photo: Shire of York
Photo: Shire of York
A detour down the York-Williams Rd, then left into Waterhatch Rd will take you to Avondale Farm with its Agricultural Museum, historic settlement area, bush reserve walk and drive trails. Visit website for more information and opening times. (opening limited)
Photo: Hollie Smith
Photo: Hollie Smith
Stop off in Beverley where the Beverley Cornerstone Visitor Centre has superb new displays, information and friendly staff to help you enjoy your visit to the town.
There's a choice of country pubs and cafes to refuel you and a service station to refuel your vehicle. Street murals, Art Deco architecture, an aeroplane and small shops are some of the unexpected finds in this quiet country town.
Photo: Shire of Beverley
There's a choice of country pubs and cafes to refuel you and a service station to refuel your vehicle. Street murals, Art Deco architecture, an aeroplane and small shops are some of the unexpected finds in this quiet country town.
Photo: Shire of Beverley
Heading back towards York, turn right onto the Top Beverley road. Look out for a glimpse of the old bridge which spanned the river here and a marker stone with information about the long-gone but once busy area of Edward's Crossing, near St Paul's Church. Photo: Shire of York
An exquisite tiny Church with original bell outside; a poignant reminder of a rural past. A rare convict-period mud brick church; the only surviving built element of the Edwards Crossing settlement. Consecrated by Bishop Hale of Perth on 4 May 1862, when a newspaper correspondent reported that 'the interior is neat, and its scarlet trimmings are very well arranged'. Photo: Shire of York
Built in traditional English style by early settler John Taylor, who arrived a poor shepherd and became a prosperous farmer.
Enjoy the views of the surrounding farmland along the Top Beverley Road, you'll feel 'on top of the world' on your way back to York.
Enjoy the views of the surrounding farmland along the Top Beverley Road, you'll feel 'on top of the world' on your way back to York.
The last remaining part of York's Convict Depot. Time your journey to get here in Museum opening hours of 1-3pm Tues, Weds, Thurs, and 11am-3.30pm at weekends. Visitors say "it's like a Tardis - there's so many exciting, colourful exhibitions and child-friendly hands-on activities in here".
Photo: Shire of York
Photo: Shire of York
Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.
Learn moreAbout York Self Drives - South of my day’s circle
Follow the Avon River and see signs in the landscape of the Ballardong Noongar culture that predates white settlement by thousands of years. Travelling through some of the earliest settled farmland you'll encounter tiny Churches, barns and bridges, all poignant pointers to life in early settlement days.
Beverley makes a great lunch stop with country pubs and cafes; have fun spotting the unexpected Art Deco architecture, aeroplane, murals and even a geodesic dome in this quiet country town. Return to York along the Top Beverley road for some of the best views of the Avon Valley and its unspoilt landscape.
York Visitor Centre
(08) 9641 1301
- info@york.wa.gov.au
- Visit website
- York Town Hall, 81 Avon Tce, York WA 6302
Other Links
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Trail map
Further information and map
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Beverley Visitor Centre
Further information about Beverley
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InHerit WA
State Heritage online database of heritage places
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Residency Museum
Further information about the Museum, see Education tab for children's worksheets and schools information
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St Peter's Church Gilgering
Further information and Friends of St. Peter's organisation
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Avondale Farm
Further information about Avondale and National Trust properties in WA
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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 York Self Drives - South of my day’s circle
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
Half or full day experience, depending on stops taken
Length
75km loop
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).
Trail End
Difficulty Notes
All of this route is on bitumen roads, apart from one short section of gravel track leading to a Church. Please take care and drive SLOWLY on country roads, beware of livestock, kangaroos and large farm machinery . Includes sections of gravel roads. Please take care and drive SLOWLY on country roads, beware of livestock, kangaroos and large farm machinery . Slow right down, especially when cornering, braking, or moving onto gravel hard shoulders on narrow bitumen roads.
Facilities
In York: Car and coach parking, water access and public toilets at Howick street. Town Hall has Visitor Centre with shop, water access and public toilets with toilet for people with disabilities and first aid equipment during opening hours 9.30am-4pm daily. Fuel service stations, Public telephone and many cafes in Avon Terrace. Lots of children's hands-on activities at the Residency Museum. Beverley has a Visitor Centre, public toilets, pubs and cafes and fuel service station.- Cafe
- Camping
- Car Park
- Coach Parking
- First Aid Equipment
- Public Telephone
- Public Toilet
- Shaded Area
- Sheltered Area
- Shop
- Toilet Facilities for Disabled
- Visitor Information Centre
Best time of year
All year round. Especially scenic from late May to mid-October
Trail Access
Road
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1-3 hours
6km
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Wargyl (Rainbow Serpent) track, site of Noongar significance (private property, view from roadside only)
Much older than the farming landscape are the surrounding hills which speak of Ballardong Noongar cultural heritage. Look out for the Wargyl (Rainbow Serpent) track to your right; bare land in a distinct trail up the hillside.
St. Peter's Church, Gilgering (1858)
Discover connections to the past by wandering among the early settlers' graves in this tranquil sanctuary beside the Avon.
St. Paul's Church, Edwards Crossing (1859) State Registered Heritage Place 00144
An exquisite tiny Church with original bell outside; a poignant reminder of a rural past. A rare convict-period mud brick church; the only surviving built element of the Edwards Crossing settlement. Consecrated by Bishop Hale of Perth on 4 May 1862, when a newspaper correspondent reported that 'the interior is neat, and its scarlet trimmings are very well arranged'.
Residency Museum (1850s)
The last remaining part of York's Convict Depot. Time your journey to get here in Museum opening hours of 1-3pm Tues, Weds, Thurs, and 11am-3.30pm at weekends. Visitors say "it's like a Tardis - there's so many exciting, colourful exhibitions and child-friendly hands-on activities in here".View 4 Photos of York Self Drives - South of my day’s circle
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