26 Jul Visiting York? What to See and Do in York WA

Thinking of visiting York WA? York is a pretty little town that sits on the banks of the Avon River. There is plenty to explore and history to read up on when visiting York. Plus in Spring the farmlands glow yellow with blooming canola. 

York is full of rich history, it was the first inland European settlement town (after Perth). The buildings reflect this history and there is lots of character as you drive down the town’s high street Avon Terrace. 

Getting there

Just a short 1 ½ hr drive East from Perth, York is a small country town in WA’s wheatbelt and it’s a great weekend getaway or a pit stop on your next Wheatbelt road trip. 

 First stop, the York visitors center for 2 reasons. 1, because it is the most beautiful building in town and 2, because they have maps for everything. Walking trails, art trails, historical trails, you name it. 

What to See and Do when visiting York

Mt Brown lookout at sunrise or sunset:

Sits 300m high above York. It is a lovely lookout for both sunrise and sunset. However there are plenty of walking trails to get some exercise and to enjoy the bushland and the birdlife. The lookout itself is a 360 view of the region. With farming land as far as the eye can see. It is also adjacent to Mt Bakewell to add to the views. York town sits in a valley so it is common to see mist here in the mornings.

York Motor museum:

This fascinating collection of cars from the beginning of time. There are cars from movies, famous racing cars, historical cars and also original motor vehicles dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. I’m not a car person but it is very interesting looking back at these machine, memorabilia s and how they have evolved. It is $12 per adult to enter but well worth a look around. 

Hot air ballooning from (Autumn to Spring):

If you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie then this is worth it. Seeing the Avon valley from above is stunning and if you are lucky you might get to see some light mist on a cold winter’s morning. The Avon valley has perfect conditions for Hot Air Ballooning in winter and spring, usually very light winds. This is an investment costing $250 p/p however is not something you do every day.

MTB trails:

If that’s your thing there are multiple trails that you can explore on Mt Brown. They are not sign posted so be sure to have a look on Trail forks or All trails before you go. It’s hard to get lost because all trails lead to the bottom road.

Walking trails:

York is a beautiful area that sits on the banks of the Avon river. There are multiple walking trails in the area. Mt Brown walking trail is well worth the steep incline. It is 7.5 kms return however you can take a gravel track up through the bush or take the steeper bitumen road to the lookout at the top. The Avon River walk is an easy 3km, it is best done in the morning when everything is quiet and still and in the right months you might get some mist dancing on the river. 

See the Canola fields bloom (in Spring only):

York is known for its blooming canola fields. Personally health wise canola oil isn’t the best however its so dam pretty. The golden fields stretch far and wide all over the wheat belt in spring. There are public canola fields where you can go to take photos. Please don’t trespass on farming land to get pictures, use the public areas available.

Explore the Old York Mill:

The mill was used to roll wheat and grain for over 50 years and played a big part in the development of the town. Wheat and grain were processed here and exported. It has since been restored and houses a gallery, shop and café so be sure to grab a coffee and have a wander around to soak in some of that history. 

Final Thoughts

York is a lovely town to explore. It is close enough to Perth for a day trip however with fuel prices the way they are its a great place to stay for the night, like I did, or spend a weekend away from the CBD. Personally I think the best time of year to go is Spring, when the Canola is in bloom and it is not icy cold, however there is something to do here all year round.