York Self Drives - Sky O’the North

Overview

“Sky O’the North that’s vast and still, with a single star to cheer me….” Robert Service.
This route to the north of York shows off the vast skies in this wide open, gently undulating rural landscape. Choose a circular loop or links to Northam and Toodyay to explore further.

Oswald Sargent Nature Reserve

Entry is up Fairways Drive through the Golf Course and it is a lovely walk at any time of year. situated within and adjacent to the golf course area. Granite areas and laterite hilltop and ridge. Marri, Sheoak and Wandoo woodland. Best Features: Woodlands, Hibbertia, Leschenaultia, Grass Trees, Orchids, Stylidium, many Proteaceae and pea flowers.

Photo Credit: Audrey Sole

View trail map

About the Trail

From York, head towards Perth on the Gt. Southern Highway, then turn down Ashworth road where at the weekends you'll find a Wara Art straw sculpture and delicious goodies at York Olive Oil and Ice Creamery.

The route then passes through some of the most scenic farmland along Mokine road, but if it's wildflower season (August to mid-October) you may prefer an alternative route taking in several beautiful Nature Reserves.

Spencers Brook Tavern makes a great lunch stop  and there's the option to divert to Northam for the Bilya Koort Boodja Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Turning left will take you via Clackline to Toodyay, another charming small country town. Return along Spencers Brook road to York.  This trail links up with York Self Drives - 'The Wonder of the West' route via the Gt. Southern Highway and with 'To the East I grant my happiness' route via Burges Siding Road. 

Need to Know

  • Time

    Half or full day experience, dependent on choices

  • Distance

    96km loop Length is 96km (Loop).

  • Trail Start (Loop)

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

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Easy - Suits majority of fitness and experience levels.

    Includes sections of gravel roads. Please take care and drive SLOWLY on country roads, beware of livestock, kangaroos and large farm machinery . Surface conditions on gravel roads can be changeable, so slow right down, especially when cornering, braking, or moving onto gravel hard shoulders on narrow bitumen roads.

  • What to Pack?

    Group A (Urban trails or short trails near facilities) required.

    • Full large water bottle per person.
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)

  • Best Time of the Year

    All year round. Especially scenic during late May to mid-October

  • 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. Public telephone and many cafes in Avon Terrace. Northam and Toodyay have similar facilities.

    • Cafe
    • Car Park
    • Dog Friendly
    • First Aid Equipment
    • Public Toilet
    • Toilet Facilities for Disabled
    • Visitor Information Centre
    • Water Access Points

  • Hazards & Warnings

    This route includes gravel roads. Surface conditions can be changeable so slow right down especially when cornering/braking. Please take care and drive slowly on country roads, beware of livestock, kangaroos and large farm machinery.

  • Access to the Trail

    Road 2WD

  • Trail Contact

    York Visitor Centre
    Telephone: (08) 9641 1301
    Email: info@york.wa.gov.au
    Web: http://visit.york.wa.gov.au
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/shireofyork