The image shows the logo for Avon Valley. The words "Avon Valley" are in green, bold, and large font with colorful accents in yellow, pink, blue, and red on each letter. Below, in smaller green font, the tagline "VINTAGE AND VIBRANT" is displayed.

Discover

Toodyay

An eclectic destination immersed in landscape and legend

  • 86km east of Perth
  • Colonial History
  • Local Museums

The picturesque Avon Valley town of Toodyay is one of the oldest inland settlements in Western Australia, with the first settlement in the area occurring in 1836. 

Toodyay features charming displays of 19th century history, with the architecture reminiscent of its colonial and convict past. A treasure trove for those with a taste for colonial history, combined with stories of bushrangers, convicts and war heroes, including the infamous Moondyne Joe.

Visit Toodyay
A child in a green hat walks towards the entrance of Toodyay Mini Rail. The area is surrounded by plants and a white fence. The entrance features a brick building with a sign displaying a train graphic.
A woman with curly hair stands in front of a glass display case filled with various pastries and baked goods at Toodyay Bakery. A menu board with items and prices is visible on the brick wall behind the counter.
A child wearing a helmet and red patterned shirt feeds goats at toodyay through a wire fence, holding a bag in one hand. The setting appears to be a sunny farm or petting zoo.

Must Do's in Toodyay

World War II sites with walking trails can also be found in Toodyay, with the World War II Bunker Trail taking you around a local Bunker Complex – look out for the four trench entrances dotted around.

The World War II Revetment Spillway and Original Reservoir is assumed to have sheltered the main building of a planned field signal unit. The Rifle Range Loop will take you to the remnants of the old rifle range, believed to date back to World War I.

In the heart of town, exploring the Newcastle Gaol Museum offers a step back in time, with many displays and opportunities to learn about the local
history, including the Gnulla Karnany Waangkiny (Our Truth Telling) exhibit, that honestly relates the experience of the Nyoongar people during the years
of colonial settlement and beyond and is a part of the Shire’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Overlooking the town, Pelham Lookout is a peaceful place to observe the landscape and the stars, with a
number of walk tracks that you can explore day and night. The Avon River also offers a magical location
to take in the scenery and look at the stars – Millard’s Pool and Red Bank Pool, along the Bilya Walk Track
are both ideally-located to admire both the sky and the river together.

Built in 1870, the mill has had a number of uses over the years, including a flour mill, powerhouse, and private residence. Climb the three floors of displays and check out the working milling machinery and Brotherhood steam engine.

If you feel like some retail therapy, Uniquely Toodyay, a cooperative of local artists and producers, located in the Old Post Office, offers the chance to browse original artworks and creations, and discover local wares and produce. Toodyay is also home to a farmers market on the third Sunday of every month, with organic vegetables, eggs, chickens, plants, and more; plus education, art and music.

For kids, Duidgee Park and the Toodyay Miniature Railway offer a unique playscape and the perfect spot for a picnic with freshly-baked goods from the famous award-winning Toodyay Bakery. There are barbeques, picnic shelters, two playgrounds and a skate park. Hop aboard the Toodyay Miniature Railway for an eight-minute ride along the river. On your journey you will see some colourful characters
amongst the beautiful scenery. The mini railway runs on the first and third Sunday of each month (except during fire ban season). If you are looking at taking the kids to meet some furry animals, the world’s oldest emu farm and a number of cuddly animal attractions are all close by.

Plan your trip to Toodyay

Moondyne Festival

May brings the annual Moondyne Festival, where the legend of Moondyne Joe, the Avon Valley’s legendary bushranger transforms the town of Toodyay with an allday festival with re-enactments of Moondyne’s various escapades through the town, his arrests and mock trials. There’s also a street theatre, colonial village, entertainment, artisan and heritage crafts, and food stalls – lots of fun for everyone.

Toodyay International Food Festival

Held during the Avon Descent in August, allowing you to nibble on a range of tasty morsels while watching the thrills and spills from the riverbanks. Mouth-watering international cuisine and sweet treats are available from dozens of stalls accompanied by live music, kids’ activities, and more.

Toodyay Agricultural Show

Every October the Toodyay Agricultural Show offers up an authentic country experience, providing a forum for local businesses and producers to showcase their cattle, sheep, goats, home products, and more. You can explore and enjoy unique exhibits, crafters, market stalls, and an extensive entertainment program, whilst kids are catered for in a sideshow alley. Stay overnight to be delighted by the fireworks display, always popular with the young and young-at-heart.

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The Newcastle Gaol Museum in Toodyay has a cell dedicated to Moondyne Joe. Authorities commissioned the building of the gaol to prevent other prisoners escaping after Joe’s dramatic escape from the Toodyay Convict Depot lock-up. You can visit the Newcastle Gaol Museum throughout the year and take a step back in time to discover the era of Moondyne Joe, Western Australia’s most famous bush ranger.

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Toodyay Visitor Centre

Shire of Toodyay

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The image features the words "Avon Valley" in large, green letters with colorful accents. Below it, the tagline "Vintage and Vibrant" is written in smaller, yellow letters.