The agricultural history of Western Australia’s Golden Outback begins in the late 1800s with fascinating stories of colourful characters who ventured bravely into the remote plains. It was these hardy folk who laid the foundations for the agricultural and pastoral industries that still remain strong today.
These early pioneers drove mobs of cattle and sheep through the vast and often waterless countryside. Along the way, they carved out the original outback highways which now form the region’s roads, tracks and trails. And as more people arrived in the region, settlements transformed into small townships, with donkeys, camels, bullocks and horses adding to the hustle and bustle of these early regional hubs.
You can experience the harsh rural life these early pastoralists endured by visiting the historical sites, heritage trails and museums throughout the region. The Wheatbelt is particularly rich in historical towns and artefacts, with rusting ploughs, old tractors and traditional farming equipment standing as testimony to the early agricultural history of Western Australia’s Golden Outback.