Greenough

Greenough is a charming country settlement notable for its pioneering history, restored heritage buildings, iconic leaning trees and beautiful Greenough River.

Claimed to be the best preserved 19th century town in Australia, Greenough is not to be missed. With over 30 historic sites you will need to include at least a full day in your itinerary. Greenough offers fantastic nature-based activities such as bushwalking, fishing, bird watching and surfing.

Greenough is approximately 4 hours, 15 minutes' drive north of Perth, and 15 minutes' south of Geraldton.

The iconic leaning trees

Buffeted by prevailing southerly winds, rich with sea salt from the Indian Ocean, the Leaning Trees of Greenough (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis or Red River gum) have become a popular icon for travellers. It is only on the windswept Greenough Flats that the tree develops its distinctive leaning shape. You can view and photograph the unusually structured trees from the Brand Highway on the Greenough Flats. Note: A purpose-built parking area is provided for the travellers to take photographs.

History and Heritage

Take a self-guided tour through the Central Greenough Historic Settlement, the beautifully restored stone character buildings which are remnants of a once thriving community of 19th century pioneers. Railway buffs will enjoy the Walkaway Station Museum, complete with refurbished locomotive and carriage. All are open daily; entry fee applies. Stop in at the historic café, The Hampton Arms Inn, for a coffee or bite to eat (closed Mondays).

Clinch's Mill is a splendid heritage building constructed in 1859. In its heyday, the mill was an important supplier of flour to the Murchison gold fields. While much of the building is in ruins and is not open to the public, it offers an exceptional photographic opportunity. Situated just outside of the historic town of Greenough, it can be clearly seen from the roadside of the Brand Highway.

The Greenough/Walkaway Heritage Trail features 36 historic buildings, including Clinch's Mill, the ruins of Wesley Church, Pioneer Cemetery, the Hampton Arms Inn and Gray's Store which was built by convicts in the 1860s.

Just off the Brand Highway the Greenough Museum and Gardens are located in a beautifully restored two-storey homestead built between 1862 and 1880 for John Maley. Maley was a miller, storekeeper, hotel proprietor, entrepreneur and father of 14 children. He was known locally as the King of the Flats and his wife, Elizabeth, was the daughter of the first German migrants to Western Australia. The museum examines the social life of the Greenough Flats from Aboriginal time until today. View the historic trees and wander the community vegetable garden, you will be pleasantly surprised. Greenough Museum fact sheets are available in English, German, Dutch, French, Italian, Chinese and Korean. Open daily.

Nature and Wildlife

The Greenough River Nature Trail is a picturesque walk or mountain bike with a 17km trail through bush land surrounding Greenough River, where you can spot wildlife – particularly an amazing range of birds, from egrets and herons to osprey. This scenic river meanders 250km through the countryside to meet the ocean at Cape Burney. This nature trail is part of the Yamaji Drive Trail.

Devlin Pool can be accessed by a 45-minute walk trail, which will lead you to a peaceful stretch of water where you can take a refreshing swim, paddle a canoe or cast a reel into the water to try your hand at fishing.

Ellendale Pool is a scenic waterhole located 45km or just 20 minutes south east of Geraldton. On your way visit the Walkaway Station Museum, featuring an extensive collection of railway artefacts (check opening times with the Geraldton Visitor Centre). Make your way past the impressive wind turbines at the Walkaway Wind Farm and then arrive at Ellendale Pool where you will be surrounded by giant gum trees and a rocky gorge. It is the ideal picnic or camping location. Interpretive signs celebrate the importance the pool has played in Aboriginal and European history. Public facilities and barbeques are provided. Camping is permitted at a fee. This location is also part of the Yamaji Drive Trail.

The Greenough Wildlife and Bird Park, located 30km south of Geraldton, offers the chance to feed a kangaroo, hold a friendly lizard, meet dingoes, and watch Douglas the crocodile eat his lunch! It is a privately-owned park that has been rescuing and rehabilitating Australian wildlife for over 30 years. Open daily except Wednesdays. Cash only – no credit card facilities.

If you find a hurt animal and help is needed, please call the DBCA Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055 or FAWNA on 0438 526 660. Note the location, time of day and condition of the animal where you found it.