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York Self Drives - South of my day’s circle

2WD inPerth & Surrounds

  • Half day
  • 75 km

“South of my day’s circle…the high lean country full of old stories….”  Judith Wright.
This trail follows the Avon River through some of the most fertile farmland to Beverley and returns along a high scenic route.

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.
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Trail Start

Get directions

York Visitor Centre, York Town Hall, 100 km (1 hour plus) east of Perth

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York_Town_Hall_PHOTO

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
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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
former_albion_inn_credit_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
wargyl_tracks_snake_hill_credit_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
massacre_site_symbolic_marks_near__gwambygine_credit_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
gywambygine_park_credit_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
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Discover connections to the past by wandering among the early settlers' graves in this tranquil sanctuary beside the Avon.
Photo: Shire of York

Avondale_Farm_credit_Hollie_Smith

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
beverley_VC_with_silver_centenary_plane_display_credit_shire_of_beverley

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
Edwards_crossing__old_bridge_nr_beverley_credit_shire_f_york

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
IMG_2071_st_pauls_edwards_crossing_nr_beverley

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
IMG_2096_Yangedine_barn_1873_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.
Residency_Museum

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
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Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

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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) 96411301

York Visitor Centre

Other Links

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.

Trail Start

York Visitor Centre, York Town Hall, 100 km (1 hour plus) east of Perth

Get directions

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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