South West Rail and Heritage Centre

by John F (subscribe)

The South West Rail and Heritage Centre, located at 33 Turner Street, Boyanup, offers a nostalgic snapshot of life in an earlier era, coupled with some more recent lifestyle activities.

The Centre, administered by the Boyanup Foundation Inc, is home to an eclectic collection of community groups, all of which contribute to the experience that visitors enjoy on the Open Days that operate on the fourth Sunday of each month.

Just a glimpse

The site is approximately two hectares in area, with open spaces, several rail tracks throughout the site which hold various railway rolling stock items, and a number of buildings dotted throughout. These buildings include the entry building which houses the model railway, the blacksmith forge, an old machinery shed, a converted railway roundhouse transported from Bunbury, a workshop, and Simmons Barn relocated from the Simmons farm (the Simmons family were pioneers of Boyanup in the 1860s). 


Museum on Rails


Two repurposed guard's vans await you, one now the 'Picnic Van' and the other, the 'Museum on Rails', a snapshot of the history of rail in Western Australia.


Boyanup Blacksmiths


The Boyanup Foundation Blacksmiths have a dedicated forge and the reassuring sound of hammers bashing out a wide variety of iron-based items can be heard throughout the site.

South West Model Railway Group


The South West Model Railway Group has developed an ever-growing model railway layout that runs every open day and provides a great deal of interest and excitement.


Large collection of agricultural machinery


Leschenault Lady


The site is also home to railway rolling stock, owned, maintained and restored by the dedicated Rail Heritage WA volunteers. Pride of place in this collection is the 1898 steam locomotive, 'Leschenault Lady' (being restored), a train that is much loved in the South West, as she provided the power for many tourist train trips. The Centre usually celebrates the birthday of this iconic locomotive in December of each year, as it first entered service with the then WA Railways on December 15, 1898.

Capel Men's Shed


The Capel Men's Shed is also resident on the site, and here we see an energetic group of fellows engaged in any number of projects working with wood and metal, as well as assisting with maintenance of the site.

The Picnic Van and merry-go-round


To complete the experience visitors are able to enjoy light refreshments served in the 'Picnic Van', a converted guard's van and children love the opportunity to have a ride on the 'parent powered' merry-go-round made from recycled materials.


Boyanup Farmers Market

As an extra bonus, the Boyanup Farmers Market is held on the same day as the South West Rail and Heritage Centre's Open Days, this very successful market with over 30 stalls selling mostly local produce fresh from the farm, completes a fun day.

Check the time table

The South West Rail and Heritage Centre, located at 33 Turner Street, Boyanup, an accessible day trip from Perth, and well worth the experience, is open from 10:00am to 2:00pm on the fourth Sunday of the month. For more information (or to enquire about group visits at other times), please contact Norm Chapple on swrhc@railheritagewa.org.au or call 0459 712 552. Check out upcoming open days and event themes on their Facebook page.

You may also find this website helpful.

Toilet facilities, including a toilet suitable for people with a disability, and a parking area signposted on Open Days, ensures a great day out for the whole family, children especially welcome.

Photos are from the SWRHC collection. Artwork by John F.\

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Why? Experience the past, embrace the present, at the perfect location

When: Open Days on the fourth Sunday of the month from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Phone: Contact Norm Chapple on swrhc@railheritagewa.org.au or call 0459 712 552

Website: railheritagewa.org.au/museum/pages/swrhc/index.php

Where: Rail Centre, 33 Turner St, Boyanup WA 6237

Cost: Entry by donation

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