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Katanning is one of the oldest and most successful of all the towns on
Route 120 – The Pioneer Way.
In 1840, Elijah Quartermaine began shepherding sheep from Beverly to what is now Katanning. Local aboriginal folk showed him where there were springs of fresh water and he would continue to visit for the next 20 years. In 1860 he settled permanently creating the first farm in the district at “Yowangup”.
The town of Katanning commenced after the construction of the Great Southern Railway, which opened on June 1, 1889 , and the arrival of brothers Frederick and Charles Piesse. Frederick was the first official resident of the town after setting up his first store. The brothers then built the Katanning Roller Flour Mill which was officially opened on 1st May, 1891. This saw an influx of settlers and the town grew quickly from that time.
Kobeelya was the first significant residence in the town of Katanning. It was erected for Frederick Piesse in 1902, as the family’s private residence and built to overlook their property and the town. It was the first home in Western Australia to be connected to supplied electric power. It was also the first home with hot and cold running water and a septic waste water system in country W.A.
SELF DRIVE RETURN DAY TRIPS
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IN TOWN
ESCORTED KATANNING TOURS
Kobeelya House Tour
Historic CBD Walk Tour
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ALL AGES PLAYGROUND
Katanning’s iconic
“All Ages Playground“
has something for everyone with its refurbished giant play equipment, aerial walkway, children’s play area and additions sure to please the thrill-seekers. Catering for children of all ages, and adults young at heart, the park also features see-saws, spinners, rocking horses, swings, fort and tunnels, a climbing net, a 30m flying fox, 2.5 metre rock climb, specialised early childhood play area and nature-based
play activities including fallen logs and stepping poles.
Where is it?
On the corner of Great Southern Highway (Route 120) and Clive Street.
MINIATURE RAILWAY
Treat the whole family to a ride on the infamous Steam and Diesel Locos at the Katanning Miniature Railway,
which operates around a 700 metre track. Weather permitting, the railway operates on every 2nd and 4th
Sunday of the month from 11.00am – 4.00pm.
For more information please contact Julie on 0458 214 390 or Derek on 0427 212 967.
Where is it?
Adjacent to the All Ages Playground
FLY YOUR FLAG
Katanning is one of the largest multicultural societies in Australia. Besides the traditional owners of the land, the Noongar people, people have been coming to Katanning from all over the world to live and work since its inception. After almost two years of planning and preparation 20 flag poles and flags were unfurled at the Katanning Lions Park on 18 March 2016. The poles proudly display some of the diverse nationalities living in town.
Where is it?
In the Lions Park, Clive Street opposite the miniature railway and skate park.
LAKE EWLYAMARTAUP
Water skiers, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, picnickers and birdwatchers alike will enjoy a visit to this
100 ha recreation lake. Located 17km east of Katanning, Lake Ewlyamartup [2] has water for most of the year and is home to 95 species of birds.
- Picnic tables and seating
- Shelter
- BBQ
- Access friendly toilets
- Boat ramp
- Bird hide
- 24 self contained RV sites
- No bins: please take your rubbish with you
Where is it?
Head out the Katanning-Pingrup road for about 17 km and turn right into Langaweira Road.
TWONKWILLINGUP RESERVE
or “POLICE POOLS“
Twonkwillingup was an important meeting place and water source for local Noongar people long before
European settlement. It came to be known as Police Pools after the area was used as an outpost of the Kojonup Police Station from 1865 – 1870.
It was the original campsite of the first Pensioner Guards (early policemen) in the Katanning district enabling them to visit isolated sandalwood cutters and early settlers in the area.
POLICE MEMORIAL
A stone memorial was erected by the Katanning Historical Society in 1939 to mark the spot where those first police officers were stationed:
Trooper T. McKenna : 1865 – 67
Trooper William Grover : 1867 – 70
Trooper E.M. Fahey : 1870
Daisy Bates also used this site when working in the area c1908.
Where is it?
The memorial is in an area of natural bush 5 kms from Katanning on Police Pools Road.
REGIONAL
SHEEP SELLING COMPLEX
The Shire of Katanning operates the largest undercover sheep selling complex in the southern hemisphere.
Sales are held every Wednesday and at other times by special arrangement.
Come and enjoy watching the ‘truckers’ and sheep dogs unload the sheep on a Tuesday afternoon before enjoying dinner at the cafe or enjoy breakfast before or after the auction at 8.30am every Wednesday morning.
Visitors should ensure they wear enclosed shoes when entering the saleyards.
Where is it?
About 5km from town on the
Katanning-Pingrup Road.
WAKES GARAGE
Established in 1938, the Wakes Garage has the only dirt floor left in Western Australia. Some people never throw anything away and at Wakes Garage on Richardson Street they kept everything. It is the home of the first orbital engine invented which sits on its original workbench.
Where is it?
Richardson Street Katanning (turn off Clive Street at the Post Office)
PIONEER WOMEN’S MEMORIAL CLOCK
The clock is one of two of its kind in the public realm; the other is located in Parliament House in Perth. The clock was built to commemorate the pioneering women and nurses of Katanning, and was unveiled in 1956 by Sister Elizabeth Grover. She was the oldest surviving daughter of William Grover, one of the first settlers in the Shire.
The clock cost the town £1458.9.8 to build. A local jeweller and watchmaker, Mr L.F.W. Quartermaine, won the contract of maintaining and supervising the clock in 1955, for which he was paid £10.0.0 per year.
Where is it?
On the corner of Clive Street & Austral Terrace, adjacent to the round-a-bout
KATANNING
ROLLER FLOUR MILL
The historic Roller Flour Mill was the first of its kind in Western Australia. It’s construction, along with that of the Great Southern Railway was the catalyst of the development of Katanning.
Settlers moved here because they had a market for their grain.
It has been restored to its former glory incorporating a Dome Café along with boutique accommodation at the Premier Mill Hotel. Much of the flour milling equipment installed when the building opened in the late 1890s by Frederick Piesse has been retained and lovingly restored.
Where is it?
At the corner of Clive Street & Austral Terrace, adjacent to the round-a-bout
FREDERICK PIESSE
STATUE
Probably the most prominent person in Katanning was Frederick Piesse. He is recognised as being the founder of Katanning and it is through his amazing business acumen and foresight that the town was able to grow into the thriving community it is today.
Frederick Piesse was the first chairman of the Katanning Road Board (later Shire of Katanning) and represented the seat of Katanning in the Forrest State Government. He also acted as Premier and Opposition Leader for a short period and was Western Australia’s representative on the Federation Council.
Where is it?
At the corner of Austral Terrace &
Albion Street
PUBLIC LIBRARY & ART GALLERY
Located at the entrance of the Library, the Art Gallery is one of the largest within the Great Southern and hosts a diverse range of shows throughout the year. Of special interest is the annual Together Exhibition, hosted in September, which showcases the many and varied talents of artists within the area.
For more information
Austral Terrace, Katanning
(08) 9821 4300
Visit the Facebook page.
Where is it?
Austral Terrace, adjacent to the Katanning Town Hall
KATANNING MOSQUE
Katanning’s large Muslim community originated from the Cocos and Christmas Islands. They have contributed to the diversity of the community and maintain their unique cultural identity by operating their own Mosque, on Warren Road.
Tours available by appointment
0415 845 894 or 0487 182 144.
Where is it?
Turn onto Adam Street past the hospital and drive to the end of the street
selfdrive
SELF DRIVE RETURN DAY TRIPS
Stay a little longer in Katanning and take advantage of some fantastic self-drive return day trips.
The Great Southern and South West regions of Western Australia have much to offer visitors.
Below are just a few examples of some amazing self-drive adventures which you can take in any vehicle.
- Katanning to Bridgetown and return via historic Kojonup
- Drive to Bridgetown through beautiful farm land and tall timber for lunch at a number of eateries. Return via the Donnybrook apple growing region and Boyup Brook.
- Katanning to the Frankland River wine region via Kojonup and return
- Take time to visit the historic sites in Kojonup, its rose garden maze and the Kodja Place Aboriginal Interpretive Centre. From there you can drive through the Frankland River wine region visiting a number of wineries and restaurants before returning to Katanning.
- Katanning to Ongerup via Cranbrook, over the top of the Stirling Ranges and return via Gnowangerup
- Drive to Cranbrook where you can turn off and take “Red Gum Pass” over the top of the Stirling Ranges to “The Lily”, a full-size replica 1600’s Dutch windmill at Amelup. Then drive on to the tiny town of Ongerup to visit its amazing “Mallee Fowl” Interpretive Centre for lunch and its museum before returning via Gnowangerup.
- Katanning to Hyden and the famous Wave Rock via Dumbleyung and return
- Drive to Dumbleyung and visit Lake Dumbleyung where Donald Campbell set his world water speed record. Stop in the town and view the replica of his boat “Bluebird”. Continue on towards Lake Grace and visit Cambinata Yabbies where they collect and export the fresh-water delicacy to the world (appointments needed). At Lake Grace you can visit the Australian Inland Mission (started by Rev John Flynn of Royal Flying Doctor fame) Hospital museum before continuing to Hyden and Wave Rock. Return to Katanning via Lake Grace and the tiny villages of Pingrup and Nyabing.
- Katanning to Albany and our amazing south coast and return
- Albany and our south coast is stunningly beautiful. Visit “The Gap” and the “Natural Bridge” before going on to Whale World (an old whaling station). Return to Albany and drive up Mount Clarence and visit the War Memorial (salvaged from Egypt), The Forts, and the National ANZAC Centre. Albany was the last place thousands of Australians saw as they sailed off to World War One. Take a leisurely drive around Albany before returning to Katanning.
- Katanning to Denmark via the renown Mt Barker wine region
- Drive to Mount Barker taking in the world renown wine region as you continue to Denmark and the stunning south coast. From Denmark follow the South Coast Highway to the inspiring “Valley of the Giants” and its famous “Tree Top Walk” before continuing on to Manjimup through incredible giant trees (amongst the tallest in the world). Try your hand at trout fishing before heading on to Bridgetown and the mighty Blackwood River, returning to Katanning via Boyup Brook and historic Kojonup.
PLEASE NOTE:
There is much to see and do on these adventures so do please leave early to allow plenty of time to take it all in.
Tourism. Tourism. Tourism. Tourism. Tourism.