Arthur River Heritage Precinct

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A history break halfway between Perth and Albany

The next time you’re travelling between Perth and Albany, break your journey with a trip back in time at the historic village of Arthur River .

Only 209 km from Perth and 213 km from Albany, it also makes for an interesting day trip into the countryside.

European Settlement History
Arthur River was named for Arthur Trimmer, who was part of the exploration team led by Governor Stirling that visited the region in 1835. Trimmer later introduced the first Merino sheep into the area.

The town lies approximately halfway along the journey between the capital city and the southern coast, leading to its original name of 125 Mile. The road was constructed in the 1850s using convict labour, which even led to the fledgling colony’s first labour strike!

The town flourished as grazing leases were taken up here and in the surrounding areas. Its halfway-point location made it an important stop for mail and other services. However, when the Great Southern Railway came through Wagin in 1889, the town declined as people moved to larger settlements.

Today, the area still supports Merino sheep grazing and a small population of about 100 people. In the actual town, you’ll find a service station for refuelling yourself and your vehicle.

Several buildings remain from the original settlement, which are built from brick and stunning local stone. These have been rejuvenated and can be visited on the Arthur River Heritage Trail. A series of information panels detail the history of the town and surrounding area.

Parking
There is a parking bay on the highway in front of the former post office. You can also park at the town hall on the opposite side of the highway, either in front or behind.

Alternatively, park at the roadhouse and walk to the heritage buildings.

Post Office
This cute little building once provided a major service for the town. Mail that arrived in Albany by ship was carried by foot or coach north to Perth. Arthur River’s halfway location provided a rest point for services coming through.

There was a post mistress here from 1866, but the post office wasn’t formally gazetted until 1882. In the same year, the telegraph was established. The telephone subscriber service followed in 1913.

Peek through the right-hand windows to see the old equipment and instructions for operating the system. Also check out the red phone booth along the northern wall.




Mt Pleasant Inn Kitchen
Walk south from the post office to all that remains of the inn – the kitchen!

The Mt Pleasant Inn was built in 1869 as a social centre for the settlers, workers and travellers in the region. It was constructed with Flemish bond brickwork in the Victorian Georgian style. It was named Mt Pleasant after a nearby property.

As the inn fell into disuse by 1934, stones were removed and used to create the town hall on the opposite of the road. The separately-constructed kitchen was left behind.

The remaining kitchen has been beautifully restored. I loved the wooden shingles used on the roof. It’s one of the oldest buildings that remain on the Albany Highway.

More recently, a woollen goods store took up residence here. Unfortunately, it closed in early 2025. Here’s hoping another enterprising person finds a use for this lovely building!




Inn Well
Walk south from the kitchen building for about 80 m to find the stone-lined well at the far end of the field. It supplied water for the inn.



Stables
Head back to the kitchen and go behind the post office to find the stables. Check out the enormous slabs of wood that form the end walls.

Inside, you’ll find two rooms. Step down into the second one to find feed troughs and bays that once housed horses.




Several small buildings behind the stables don’t have information signs. They may be restored buildings or newer ones. Maybe you can find out!

There are 2 picnic benches in semi-shade near the parking area if you want a lunch break.

Town Hall
Cross the road (if you parked at the post office) to see the beautiful town hall. It was built in the 1890s and served as a social hub for the community. At one point, it even housed the school.

Behind the hall, you’ll find well-maintained toilets and an old, raised water tank.

In semi-shade at the side is a picnic table and some basic play equipment for the kids to enjoy.






Beyond the main buildings
North and south of the main heritage area are two more buildings. I didn’t have time to explore these – something left for next time!

As you approach town from the north, you’ll see the St Paul's Anglican Church on the right-hand side. It has a heritage listing in its own right, which includes the sandalwood trees and graveyard. The church is still active today.

The church was built in 1882-1885 in a Victorian Romanesque style and has timber floors from sawmills in Dwellingup. Take some time to explore the cemetery and look for the township’s residents. The oldest tombstone dates to 1885.

Follow the highway south to reach the old shearing shed. It was constructed in the 1850s in the early days of the settlement. It served as a community building for farmers to bring their flocks to for shearing. I don’t know if you can enter these buildings and didn’t see any signage as I drove past.

More history in Darkan and surrounds
If you have a little more time up your sleeves, why not pop into Darkan? There are more historic sites in town and the surrounding area.

Follow the Darkan Heritage Walk Trail around town. There’s even a rail trail that you can walk, cycle or horse ride linking Darkan and Collie!

Find out more about the region on the Shire of West Arthur website .

You can also find travel itineraries for day trips or overnight stays.

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