We had a big day travelling from Three Springs to Carnamah this week … 22 kms! Uneventful through fields, either already tilled and seeded, or ready to go. Past Yarra Yarra Lakes without a drop of water in them. It looks like it may have been a while since sufficient rain has fallen to make any difference.
Carnamah is known in the area for ‘The Big Tractor,’ and big it is, and bright red as well.
The locals have built what’s becoming the usual metal artwork around the park, that includes a war memorial in a nature strip next door, and the main park features a small snapshot on what life was like in the early days.
The tractor, a huge Chamberlain 40K replica, was officially opened as an attraction in October last year, and has proven to be a popular attraction for the town.
The town is spread out, very clean with population of 407 at the 2021 census, but suspect it has dwindled a bit since then.
We went to see Macpherson’s homestead. Built in 1869, Duncan and his wife Mary live there for several years with their 8 children. Four stayed on the property and the other four took up farming, Jock became the innkeeper at Greenough, and later became manager of Arrino Station, north of Three Springs.
It was originally named Carnamah station, but years later when it was sold, it fell into disrepair and renamed Macpherson’s Homestead. It is free to drive and view the property and various machinery used on the working farm. You can arrange to view inside, and looking through the front door, you can get a glimps into the dining room, completely furnished with the table set ready for fine dining.
We took the drive out to the Yarra Yarra Lakes lookout and that provided a beautiful panorama of the district.
Another feature in town, the church of St Andrew is on the way to the homestead. It was built in 1930, and in 1960 was renovated, very similar to the original plan. John Hawes, or Monsignor John Hawes, was the architect, and renowned for his beautiful architecture in the area. He has designed and built churches from Geraldton right through the mid west and Murchison. They are quite distinctive and some are still in used today.
The caravan park is fabulous. Beautifully kept, spacious, with very clean amenities block. The laundry has two brand new washing machines and a dryer, once again spotless, and the hugh bonus is they are free! A large enclosed sunny area for drying the clothes is also much appreciated.
Carnamah like all country towns continues to struggle but is realising that tourism just might be an answer. Have you been here?
You can see the gallery here;
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