Toodyay
Town
Population 1068
This National Trust–classified town is nestled in the Avon Valley surrounded by picturesque farming country and bushland. The name originates from 'Duidgee', which means the 'place of plenty'. Founded in 1836, Toodyay was one of the first inland towns to be established in the colony. It was a favourite haunt of Western Australia's most famous bushranger, Joseph Bolitho Johns, who was more commonly known as 'Moondyne Joe'.
Visitor Information
7 Piesse St; (08) 9574 2435
Nearby national parks
-
Avon Valley National Park
The Avon River runs through the centre of this national park, not far from Perth and once occupied by the Nyoongar people of the Darling...more -
Walyunga National Park
Set on the edge of the Darling Scarp just north of Perth, Walyunga National Park encompasses a section of the Swan River valley. It is here...more -
John Forrest National Park
Declared in 1900, John Forrest is the oldest national park in Western Australia. Lying at the northern edge of the Hills Forest in the...more
Nearby towns
-
Northam
Northam lies in the heart of the fertile Avon Valley. The Avon River winds its way through the town and on its waters you'll find white...more -
York WA
On the banks of the Avon River in the fertile Avon Valley, York is one of the best preserved and restored 19th-century towns in Australia....more -
Mundaring
Mundaring is virtually an outer suburb of Perth, being only 34 kilometres east. Nearby, the picturesque Mundaring Weir is the water...more
In Town
Historic buildings Some original buildings from the early settlement of Toodyay still stand, including Stirling House (1908), Connor's Mill (1870s) with displays of working flour-milling equipment, the Old Newcastle Gaol (1865) built by convict labour and where Moondyne Joe was imprisoned, and the Police Stables (1870) built by convict labour from random rubblestone. Self-guide walk available; pamphlet at visitor centre.Duidgee Park: popular picnic spot on the banks of the river has a miniature railway and a walking track; check at visitor centre for running times; Harper Rd. Newcastle Park: contains a unique stone monument of Charlotte Davies, the first white female to set foot on the soil of the Swan River Colony. Also has a children's playground; Stirling Tce. Pelham Reserve and Lookout: nature walks, a lookout with views over the town and a memorial to James Drummond, the town's first resident botanist; Duke St.
Nearby
Avon Valley National Park In the 1860s, bushranger Moondyne Joe hid in the forests, caves and wildflower fields of the lush Avon Valley. The park retains this landscape, offering spectacular scenery with abundant wildflowers in season. Being at the northern limit of the jarrah forests, the jarrah and marri trees mingle with wandoo woodland. This mix of trees creates diverse habitats for fauna, including a wide variety of birdlife. The Avon River, which in summer and autumn is a series of pools, swells to become impressive rapids during winter and spring. These rapids provide the backdrop for the Avon Descent, a well-known annual whitewater race held every Aug, which begins in Northam and passes through the park. The park is ideal for camping, bushwalking, canoeing and picnicking, although all roads are unsealed. Whitewater rafting tours are available. 25 km SW. Pecan Hill Tearoom Museum: tearoom and museum set in a pecan nut orchard with a lookout offering spectacular views over the Avon Valley; Julimar Rd; 4 km NW. Coorinja Winery: dating from the 1870s; open for tastings and sales; closed Sun; 4 km SW. Ringa Railway Bridge: constructed in 1888, this timber bridge has 18 spans, but is not readily accessible; details from visitor centre; 6 km SW. Windmill Hill Cutting: the deepest railway cutting in Australia; 6 km SE. Avonlea Park Alpaca Farm: alpacas and other farm animals, and sales of alpaca wool products; 12 km SE. Emu Farm: one of the oldest in Australia. Birds range free in natural bushland. Also crafts and emu products for sale; 15 km SW. Cartref Park Country Garden: 2 ha park of English-style landscaped gardens and native plants, with prolific birdlife; 16 km NW. Oliomio Farm: olive and lavendar farm offering tastings and sales; Parkland Dr; 20 km NW. Wyening Mission: this Benedictine farm and winery runs tours of their mission, cellars and grounds; by appt; (08) 9364 6463; 38 km N. Toodyay Pioneer Heritage Trail: honouring the pioneering spirit in the Avon Valley, this 20 km self-drive trail retraces the route of the first settlers; contact visitor centre for map. Avon Valley Tourist Drive: 95 km scenic drive includes Toodyay, Northam, York and Beverley; contact visitor centre for map. Hotham Valley Steam Railway: the famous steam-train service runs special trips including a monthly 'murder-mystery' night; contact visitor centre for details.
Fishing spots near town
Perth 78 km
The Swan River produces many species, including bream, mulloway, herring, tailor, tarwhine, silver trevally, Samson fish and flathead. This is a year- round fishery for the much sought bream. In summer the bream run... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Hiking the Bibbulmun Track 61 km
You do not need to dedicate six to eight weeks to walk the superb 965-kilometre Bibbulmun Track in order to enjoy it. There are plenty of places to get on and off the track, so you can stretch the legs for a few hours,... Find out morePerth Zoo 75 km
You can certainly while away a few hours at this excellent zoo, which is involved in conservation and has a breeding program for native endangered species, including the western swamp tortoise, Shark Bay mouse and... Find out moreKings Park and Botanic Garden 76 km
Arguably the most scenic botanic gardens in the country, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, with its hilltop location, offers great views over the city and beyond, and has plenty of space for picnicking, cycling and walking.... Find out moreDiving around Perth 88 km
There are some shore dives in and around Fremantle and Perth, and plenty of great boat dives to Rottnest Island and further afield. Dolphin Dive Fremantle is an eco-accredited dive shop with a large boat, and will rent... Find out moreCycling on Rottnest Island 101 km
You can hire a bike before you get to Rottnest, and take it on the ferry, or hire on the island at Rottnest Island Bike Hire (located behind the Quokka Arms Hotel). The company has tandems, child seats, trailers and... Find out moreSea-kayaking around Rockingham 107 km
Along the coast at Rockingham, less than 45 minutes drive south from Perth, you can kayak to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park just offshore, which harbours a host of wildlife. There are Australian sea-lions on Seal... Find out moreWhitewater rafting – Dwellingup 135 km
Dwellingup Adventures has a one-day rafting trip on the Murray River suitable for novices and children from ten years and upwards. This operator also hire canoes, kayaks, rafts and mountain bikes and, for self-guided... Find out moreSnorkelling and diving around Jurien Bay and Geraldton 194 km
You can snorkel face-to-face with sea-lions in Jurien Bay Marine Park, or join a boat tour to see them up close. Jurien Charters in Jurien Bay also offers diving on rock walls with lionfish, butterflyfish and wrasse.... Find out moreDolphin Discovery Centre 212 km
This non-profit organisation is committed to education, conservation and research about dolphins, but also provides extraordinary opportunities to interact with these creatures. About 90 wild bottlenose dolphins live in... Find out moreGolf courses around town
The Vines Resort & Country Club (Lakes course) 50 km
Few courses in Australia let you walk in the footsteps of the game’s best players simply by booking a tee time and paying your green fee. The Vines, as the stage for such events as the Heineken Classic, Johnnie... Find out moreMt Lawley Golf Club 69 km
Perth was a booming town in the late 1920s, and as more and more people headed west from the eastern states, the demand for golf courses grew. Four of Perth’s finest layouts – Lake Karrinyup, Cottesloe,... Find out moreThe Western Australian Golf Club 70 km
The Western Australian Golf Club is a hidden gem, particularly to visitors from interstate or overseas. Set amid the rolling hills of suburban Yokine, and covering some of the highest points to be found north of... Find out moreJoondalup Country Club & Resort 72 km
Few inland courses in Australia boast such visually sensational holes as you will encounter at Joondalup. This 27-hole layout, a 25-minute drive north of Perth’s CBD, is a unique golfing experience and the... Find out moreLake Karrinyup Country Club 73 km
For more than five decades Lake Karrinyup was widely considered one of Australia’s classic courses. It first won national acclaim when it hosted the 1952 Australian Open, won by Norman von Nida. The Open... Find out moreAraluen Golf Resort 75 km
Steep forest-covered hills above deep valleys are not the ideal landscape on which to create a golf course. But that did not stop the developers of Araluen Golf Resort – in the Roleystone Hills, 45 minutes... Find out moreCottesloe Golf Club 81 km
Cottesloe is internationally renowned for its superb beach, backing on to rows of towering Norfolk Island pines and wonderful terraced lawns, an idyllic spot to soak up views of the Indian Ocean. If you were expecting... Find out moreThe Links Kennedy Bay 114 km
Kennedy Bay has a brief and chequered history. Since opening for play in 1998 this acclaimed links course has been forced to close twice because of financial circumstances involving different owners. The most recent... Find out moreSecret Harbour Golf Links 117 km
Towering sand dunes covered with thick coastal scrub were the sight that greeted Graham Marsh, former player turned course designer, when he took his first look at the proposed Secret Harbour Golf Links in the early... Find out moreMeadow Springs Golf & Country Club 125 km
Nearly eight years after American designer Robert Trent Jones Jnr oversaw the final stages of construction on his acclaimed Joondalup layout, he found himself back on the WA coast. This time it was to sign off on... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Situated in the historic Victoria Hotel and built in 1888, the Victoria Restaurant serves hearty meals and country hospitality. Located in the heart of town, patrons watch passers-by until they join in with the... Find out more
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
The Sandcastle 89 km
The Sandcastle is an up-market option in South Fremantle, with beautiful food, much of which comes from sustainable resources, and organic wines and beers. As well as stocking organic vegetables, grains and meats, the... Find out moreNearby breweries
Feral Brewing Company 49 km
Based in the Swan Valley, Feral Brewing produces a range of sometimes challenging beers that are served on tap at their bar/restaurant (and a handful of other outlets), plus their flagship bottled product Feral White,... Find out moreMash Brewing Company 53 km
The simply named Mash Brewing Company debuted in April 2006, adding to the significant cluster of craft breweries operating out of the Swan Valley. Inspired by the Little Creatures model, the brewery is positioned... Find out moreDuckstein Brewery 53 km
Duckstein Brewery actually has two separate breweries and outlets located in both the Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions. The original 60-litre microbrewery (or should that be microscopic brewery) is one of the... Find out moreElmar's In the Valley 54 km
Having established a successful smallgoods business, German-born couple Elmar and Anette Dieren branched out to establish this sizeable bar, restaurant and beer garden complex, which also includes a microbrewery. While... Find out moreSwan Brewery 78 km
The Swan Brewery was established in 1857 by early Western Australian settler Frank Sherwood, who had emigrated from England with his family in 1842. Interestingly, he originally set up a school of classics and languages... Find out moreBillabong Brewing 82 km
Owner Alan Proctor started Billabong Brewing as Western Australia’s first brew-on-premise operation, where homebrewers come to make their own beer and bottle it, using professional equipment. In 2006 Proctor... Find out moreGage Roads Brewing Company 85 km
Established in 2002 by former Sail & Anchor brewing team Peter Nolin and Bill Hoedemaker, Gage Roads Brewing started producing beer from the Palmyra site in mid-2005. The US-born pair was apparently frustrated that... Find out moreSail & Anchor Hotel 88 km
The Australian craft beer movement was kick-started at the Sail & Anchor Hotel in 1984 when the first house-brewed ale flowed there. Phil Sexton and his partners in the Matilda Bay Brewing Company were building the... Find out moreLittle Creatures Brewing 89 km
After dabbling in wine and working as a brewing consultant in the US, craftbeer pioneer Phil Sexton re-surfaced in the local beer scene, along with a couple of other former Matilda Bay Brewing heavyweights, with the... Find out moreCampsites around town
Homestead campsite 20 km
Homestead Campsite is adjacent to a small creek in wandoo forest. To find it, head 30 km west of Toodyay and 55 km north-east of Midland via Governors Dr, off Quarry Rd.... Find out moreSappers campsite 22 km
Sappers camping area is 25 km west of Toodyay on Sappers Rd, off Plunket Rd. Bring drinking water and come in a 4WD. Note that there are seasonal closures in winter.... Find out moreValley campsite 22 km
Valley Campsite is at the bottom of a valley near the Avon River. It’s reached via Forty One Mile Rd, off Quarry Rd. Note that access to the river is restricted due to the main east–west railway line.... Find out moreDrummonds campsite 23 km
Drummonds Campsite is set among wandoo woodlands overlooking the Avon Valley. Access in is steep, so you’ll need a 4WD tow if you’re bringing in a camper van. The campsite is to the west of Homestead... Find out moreBald Hill campsite 24 km
Bald Hill Campsite is near the top of a hill overlooking the Avon Valley to the west of Drummonds campsite, reached via Governors Dr off Quarry Rd. A short walk onto the stony outcrops provides spectacular views.... Find out moreThirty Seven Mile Road campsite 28 km
There’s no surprise that this camping area is on Thirty-seven Mile Rd. You’ll find it off Plunket Rd, 40 km west of Toodyay. Bring your own supply of drinking water.... Find out moreLake Leschenaultia campsite 40 km
Lake Leschenaultia, 2 km west of Chidlow via Rosedale Rd, dates to 1897 when it was constructed as a water supply for the railways. Nowadays it is a haven for birds and wildlife, and offers visitors activities such as... Find out moreWalyunga camping area 42 km
Walyunga camping area offers tent-based camping only in a natural bush environment that is popular with bushwalkers and birdwatchers. To get here, head 17 km north of Midland via Walyunga Rd from the Great Northern Hwy.... Find out moreMunda Biddi Trail campsites – Mundaring to Collie 49 km
The Munda Biddi Trail is a long distance cycling trail that will eventually stretch from Mundaring, north east of Perth, to Albany on the south coast. Currently, it winds through forests and parks along bush tracks and... Find out moreBall Creek campsite 50 km
Ball Creek campsite is 10.6 km from the campsite at Hewetts Hill.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Banksia Tourist Park 60 km
This is an ideal location for those arriving in Perth from the north or the east wanting to stay on the outskirts. The park is in a semi-rural setting just a few minutes from Midland. The quality park is well laid out... Find out morePerth Vineyards Holiday Park 60 km
Situated in the grape-growing area of the Upper Swan River, about 14 km from the centre of Perth, this quality park has easy access to the main routes north and east. It has grassy and paved sites, some with good shade.... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Perth 66 km
This is a great park with excellent amenities, in the eastern suburbs 16 km from the centre of Perth. It also has a van-storage area. Access to the park is easy from all directions along main arterial routes. Bookings... Find out moreKarrinyup Waters Resort 73 km
Just 14 km north of Perth and close to the Mitchell Freeway, this park is just a short distance from the beach. With very good amenities and facilities that include a spa and solar-heated pool, this is a good base for... Find out moreWoodman Point Holiday Park 92 km
Large and popular, this tourist park has walking access to the beach and is just 7 km from Fremantle. The managers run nature walks around the local area year round. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreGuilderton Caravan Park 94 km
Located in a picturesque setting at the mouth of the Moore River, this popular beachside holiday park is on the water’s edge and has good camping and caravan sites. Amenities are basic and a small shop and cafe are... Find out moreLedge Point Holiday Park 115 km
This is a new park that opened during 2007. It has the latest facilities and will be a great asset to the area. There is an internet cafe and bookings are essential in busy times. A minimum-length stay applies during... Find out moreDalwallinu Caravan Park 143 km
A council park that has been redeveloped in recent years, this is a very neat and tidy place, suitable for tourists for short or longer stays. It is easily accessible from the Great Northern Highway.... Find out moreMerredin Tourist Park 173 km
This park is of a quality rarely found in an inland town the size of Merredin and we highly recommend it. From here it is a comfortable 260 km to Perth or 335 km to Kalgoorlie; Merredin is an excellent choice for an... Find out morePinnacles Caravan Park 178 km
This is a popular beachside holiday park near the Pinnacles. The Lancelin–Cervantes road has still not been constructed and the latest estimate is 2013. Fishing and windsurfing are the most popular pastimes along... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Live like the squatters used to in the bush at Boshack Farm, just 90 minutes from the CBD. Surrounded by bushland, the rustic cabins are nestled by the lake under a starlit sky. Pre-order a barbecue pack or BYO food and... Find out more
Set on several hectares of countryside, 1890s Ipswich View Homestead has five guest rooms, all with ensuites, and there is also a self-contained unit. B&B includes a swimming pool, tennis court and minigolf.... Find out more
With uninterrupted views of rolling hills, the Mountain Park Retreat is a two-storey Queenslander-style home sleeping ten people. The five-bedroom and two-bathroom home is tastefully decorated and has several living... Find out more
The elevated timber cottage here is an ideal rural retreat, situated 6 kilometres from town. The Avon River is only 200 metres away, where the Avon Descent white-water rafting competition flies past every year. The... Find out more
Rest areas around town
Eadine Springs Rest Area 19 km
9 km E of Bakers Hill (L) or 14 km W of Northam (R) Large secluded picnic area well off the highway among the trees. GPS: S31 42.756 E116 32.369... Find out moreBakers Hill Park Area 22 km
West side of town Parking adjacent to the highway at the information bay. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 44.918 E116 27.439... Find out moreBindoon Hill Rest Area 39 km
10 km N of Bindoon (L) or 41 km S of New Norcia (L) Large areas just off the highway on both sides. Good shade. GPS: S31 19.503 E116 09.249... Find out moreForsyths Mill Rest Area 41 km
11 km E of Mundaring (R) or 27 km W of Bakers Hill (L) Small secluded area just off the highway in a natural bush setting. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 52.838 E116 16.585 ... Find out moreMeckering Park Area 52 km
Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway at the earthquake display site. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 37.996 E117 00.432... Find out moreCunderdin Park Area 74 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway near the museum. GPS: S31 39.098 E117 14.540... Find out moreGleneagle Rest Area 86 km
25 km SE of Armadale (L) or 107 km NW of Williams (R) Secluded area well off the highway in a very pleasant forest setting. Good facilities and excellent shade. GPS: S32 17.306 E116 11.430... Find out moreNature Trail Rest Area 87 km
11 km S of Regans Ford (R) or 37 km N of Gingin (L) Small secluded area adjacent to the highway in an area prolific with seasonal wildfl owers. Limited shade. GPS: S31 03.848 E115 44.619 ... Find out moreSullivan Rock Rest Area 94 km
37 km SE of Armadale (R) or 95 km NW of Williams (L) Small secluded area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S32 22.766 E116 15.028... Find out moreInformation Bay Rest Area 94 km
3 km S of Regans Ford (R) or 45 km N of Gingin (L) Secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S31 00.100 E115 42.585... Find out moreRegans Ford Park Area 96 km
South of the roadhouse Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 59.208 E115 42.307... Find out moreNorth Dandelup Park Area 117 km
43 km S of Armadale (L) or 15 km N of Pinjarra (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Toilets behind nearby hall. Good shade. GPS: S32 31.125 E115 58.296... Find out moreKellerberrin Park Area 119 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S31 38.004 E117 43.241 ... Find out moreMiling North Rest Area 120 km
76 km N of New Norcia (R) or 42 km S of Dalwallinu (L) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S30 27.862 E116 25.217... Find out moreBannister Rest Area 129 km
84 km SE of Armadale (L) or 48 km NW of Williams (R) A couple of small secluded rest areas just off the highway on a loop road off the parking bay. Good shade. GPS: S32 42.55 E116 32.44... Find out morePinjarra Park Area 134 km
South side of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway opposite the cemetery. GPS: S32 38.513 E115 52.177... Find out moreMarrinup Camp Area 134 km
5 km NW of Dwellingup Large clearing in the forest 2.5 kilometres north of Pinjarra–Dwellingup Road via Grey Road (2.5 kilometres west of Dwellingup). NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S32 42.138 E116... Find out moreCrossman Rest Area 137 km
94 km SE of Armadale (L) or 38 km NW of Williams (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 46.646 E116 35.674... Find out moreBaden Powell Camp Area 140 km
8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 2 km from park entry Large area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good shade. GPS: S32 46.3353 E116 04.982... Find out moreChuditch Camp Area 141 km
8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 9 km from park entry Small secluded area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 47.293 E116 06.558... Find out moreDalwallinu Park Area 142 km
Middle of town Parking area in the main street opposite the post office. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S30 16.667 E116 39.750... Find out moreNanga Mill Camp Area 143 km
8 km S of Dwellingup via Nanga Road and 11 km from park entry Large area in the forest of Lane Pool Reserve. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.102 E116 06.235... Find out moreBandicoot Brook Rest Area 149 km
21 km S of Pinjarra (R) or 79 km N of Bunbury (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.417 E115 54.180... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Moondyne Festival: May.
Avon Descent: whitewater rafting; Aug.
Kombi Konnection: Sept.
Music Festival: Sept.
