Discover
York
A quintessential country town with a big history
- 97km east of Perth
- Weekend adventure
- Wongborel/Mt Brown Lookout



Must Do's in York
Make your first stop the York Town Hall, constructed in 1911, and home to the York Visitor Centre. The building showcases the ambitious plans settlers had for the town, with its sweeping jarrah staircase, pressed tin ceilings, and ornate column pillars. It was designed to be large enough to generate income from travelling picture-shows, but with the start of the First World War priorities changed and York never recovered the same confidence expressed in the Town Hall’s construction.
Tours of the Town Hall take you on a journey through the days of its prosperous history, including tragic tales of the ‘permanent residents’ that linger, and into spaces that are not generally available for public access. The team at the Visitor Centre within can tailor other walking and coach tours, and recommend eateries, attractions and accommodation options.
It’s an ideal way to soak up some of York’s great atmosphere and find out fascinating stories about local people and places.
The Museum is full of lively, colourful new exhibitions, professionally designed and covering a diverse range of themes.
Built during the 1850’s as the Depot Superintendent’s Quarters, this historic house is now the last remaining part of York’s Convict Depot. It then became the official home of the town’s Resident Magistrate hence the name, the Residency.
During the early twentieth century it was used as part of the Old York Hospital, later being saved from disrepair by the efforts of the York Society. It opened as a Municipal Museum in 1972.
Complementing York’s built heritage are its natural attractions of sweeping canola fields, golden farmlands, bush trails, orchid reserves, and wildflower hotspots.
Take some time to selfdrive the area from the hamlet town of Greenhills and its heritage trails through to White Gum Air Park with its gyrocopters and Boeing aeroplanes, or simply watch the sun set over the town atop the beautiful Wongborel / Mount Brown. The lookout is accessible by car, or by foot for the more energetic. Pack a picnic, order a share plate from town, or use the free gas barbecue to cook up a sunset meal. Mount Brown regularly has wallabies and kangaroos wandering the walk trails. In spring, carpets of everlasting wildflowers appear amongst the rocky outcrops.
The community-owned and operated York Motor Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Australian and world heritage motor vehicles for display to the general public.
York Motor Museum is the home of the original Crocodile Dundee valiant utility used in the movie and autographed on the dashboard by Paul Hogan.
A large number of artists, authors, growers and collectives also call York home, so it is no surprise that the town is teaming with artisan products, galleries, emporiums and collectives that showcase the town’s people and their artistry. Browse the Flour Mill Emporium, purveyors of eclectic and quirky finds, or support the Good Life Store’s vision of a wastefree world by pouring your own jar of honey.
Plan your trip to York
Tours and Trails
York is home to a collection of tour and trail options. From a Town Hall tour that includes the history of the building, the memorial board and an insight into Yorks diverse and intriguing History, while see behind the scenes areas of the Town Hall. Trails for cycling, walking or even the comfort of your aircon in a self-drive trail, it’s a perfect way to visit scenic locations and historical sights. Or ask the Friendly Visitor Centre Team about a bespoke tour, whether it’s a tour of the Avon Terrace building or recent filming productions, there is something for everyone.
York Motorcycle Festival
A free and family-oriented event held annually in April, featuring motorbike stunt shows, live music, trade displays, vintage markets, and kids’ activities. A charity ride is the highlight of the festival, starting from Perth city and ending in York, incorporating a number of back road rides across the two-day event.
YORKids
YORKids welcomes young people and their families over the WA Day long weekend each year.
A collection of interactive, engaging and hands on fun, all for free.
Along the Terrace you will discover the York Motor Museum – the only community owned and operated motor museum in Australia. The museum houses WA’s largest private car collection and motoring memorabilia, with vintage, veteran, and classic cars, plus motorcycles.
Visit Us
York Visitor Centre
- Mon - Sun 9:30am-4:00pm
- York Town Hall, 81 Avon Terrace, York
- 08 9641 1301
- visit.york.wa.gov.au
Shire of York
- Mon - Fri 8.30am-4.30pm
- 1 Joaquina Street, York
- 08 9641 0500
- www.york.wa.gov.au