There's much to explore around the Shire of West Arthur, and being relatively close to Perth and Bunbury, you can even undertake a visit as a day trip. Or stay overnight in Darkan and enjoy some of the Wheatbelt night skies and warm and friendly country hospitality.
1 Day Itinerary
8am - Depart Perth and drive 206km via the scenic Darling Ranges, past Armadale, North Bannister and Williams to Darkan. If driving from Bunbury, the drive is 119km, via Collie.
10am - Arrive in Darkan and pick up a coffee from Rarebits on Burrowes (open Tues 10am-2pm and Fri 9am-5pm) or Black Rock Café (Tues-Fri 6am-2pm/Sun 9am-2pm).
Let the kids roam and have a play on the nature playground in the centre of town whilst you enjoy a bit of a breather and wander around the Pioneer Memorial and historical railway station.
10.30am - Wander over to the West Arthur Community Resource Centre which houses the brand new Betty Brown Historical Centre. The centre tells the story of women in rural communities and showcases some of the histories of the local area [entry gold coin donation].
Before leaving Darkan, pick up some packed sandwiches and snacks from the Darkan Roadhouse to take with you on your travels.
11am - Drive some 10km north on the Darkan Quindanning Road and explore the tiny historic Six Mile Cottage. Wander inside the cottage and imagine life in the early years of the district [free entry].
12pm - Travel 35km south to Lake Towerrinning and enjoy a picnic lunch whilst overlooking the lake. If the weather is warm, there is time for a quick swim or a walk along the edge of the lake.
2.30pm - Depart Lake Towerrinning and head south, before turning left onto the Boyup Brook Arthur Road. It is a 40-minute drive to Arthur River where you will find a collection of historical buildings.
Wander around the buildings or the Arthur River Cemetery and learn a little more about 125 Mile (as Arthur River was originally known) on the road from Perth to Albany during the late 19th century.
4pm - Finish your day and begin your trip home. If you are heading back to Perth, pick up a snack at the Williams Woolshed , or if you are heading towards Bunbury, stop at the Darkan Roadhouse for a bite to eat before hitting the road.
6pm - Arrive home and fondly reminisce about your day trip to Darkan and Arthur River.
2 Day Overnight Itinerary
Day 1
8am - For cycling enthusiasts, make sure you pack your bikes the night before. Depart Perth and drive 206km via the scenic Darling Ranges, past Armadale, North Bannister and Williams to Darkan. If driving from Bunbury, the drive is 119km, via Collie.
10am - Arrive in Darkan and pick up a coffee from Rarebits on Burrowes (open Tues 10am-2pm and Fri 9am-5pm) or Black Rock Café (Tues-Fri 6am-2pm/Sun 9am-2pm).
Let the kids roam and have a play on the nature playground in the centre of town whilst you enjoy a bit of a breather and wander around the Pioneer Memorial and historical railway station.
10.30am - Pick up a sandwich, water and provisions from the Darkan Roadhouse for your lunch and begin your cycle or walk along the Collie to Darkan Rail Trail (heading east towards Collie, the rail trail extends 45km). If you head west towards Dardadine, it extends 15km).
4pm - Return to Darkan to check in to your accommodation, take time to relax and freshen up for dinner at the Darkan Hotel.
8pm - Find a dark spot to spend some time star gazing. The local Darkan football oval makes a good place to lie on the grass and enjoy the dark night skies. The Shire of West Arthur is part of Astrotourism town network, and if you want to take some astro-photos check out www.izi.travel for an audio tour on some of the great star spotting places around the shire.
Tonight accommodation options: Darkan Hotel (Tel: 9736 1001), Darkan Caravan Park and Chalet (Tel: 9736 2222), Marrahbella Cottage (0418 445 879), Darkan Mill Cottages (0467 026 782).
Day 2
8am - Wander over to the Black Rock Café for a cooked breakfast and coffee.
9am - Call in at the West Arthur Community Resource Centre and check out the brand new Betty Brown Historical Centre and learn a little of the history of the area [entry gold coin donation].
10am - Pack up a picnic and head south to Lake Towerrinning (approx. 35km drive). Enjoy the day in the water (BYO SUP or Kayak for additional fun) or just enjoy a walk.
Optional extra - if you have your own SUP or kayak you could also travel the short distance south to Moodiarrup Hall where you are able to launch your board or kayak off the banks of the Arthur River and spend some time enjoying the solitude on the river.
4pm - Finish your day and begin your trip home. If you are heading back to Perth, pick up a snack at the Williams Woolshed , or if you are heading towards Bunbury, stop at the Darkan Roadhouse for a bite to eat before hitting the road.