The south-west of Western Australia is one of great historical significance, with many regional museums and other institutions preserving the artefacts and other memorabilia left behind from days long gone by. One of the most well-loved of these would have to be the South West Rail and Heritage Centre, situated in the picturesque hamlet of Boyanup, approximately 18 kilometres south of Bunbury.
Image courtesy of the Rail Heritage WA website
Every month the centre holds a special open day, focusing on a specific theme or aspect of local history. Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, this month's open day celebrates the role that rail played during wartime here in Western Australia, mobilising forces and transporting equipment and goods throughout the state. Elaborating on this, special guest speaker, historian and author Philippa Rogers will give a presentation on the day, based on her book 'Troops, Trains and Trades'.
Image courtesy of the Rail Heritage WA website
If the weather is favourable, visitors will also have the opportunity to look at several ex-military vehicles, along with other interesting displays and information related to the theme. In addition, there will be the Centre's vintage railway rolling stock to check out, much of which dates back to wartime (and even earlier), along with its collection of other machinery from days, long ago.
Image courtesy of the Rail Heritage WA website
Children are never left out at the South West Rail and Heritage Centre, and there will be special activities for them to do, while visitors of all ages will be captivated by the model railway and the skilful work of the blacksmiths, labouring hard at the traditional forge. Capel Men's Shed will also be open to visitors on the day.
In conclusion, if you're interested in our local history and are hankering for a weekend escape 'down south', be sure to head to Boyanup on Sunday August 23rd for 'Troops, Trains and Trades', the next open day at the South West Rail and Heritage Centre. The south-west is beautiful at this time of the year, so why not book some overnight accommodation and spend the entire weekend exploring this beautiful region. Entry for the open day is a gold coin donation, making it a very affordable outing for people on all kinds of budgets. Light refreshments are available in the centre's picnic van.
To learn more about the South West Rail and Heritage Centre, and for more details about the open day, email Norm Chapple at
[email protected] or call him on 0459 712 552. You will also find some very interesting information about the Centre on the
Rail Heritage WA website.
The South West Rail and Heritage Centre is situated on Turner Street in Boyanup. The open day begins at 10am and concludes at around 2pm.