Framed by sweeping agricultural plains and just a short drive from the striking Stirling Range National Park, Borden is a small town with deep roots in both Noongar Country and early European settlement.
For tens of thousands of years, this region has been the ancestral home of the Goreng people of the Noongar nation. The land surrounding Borden, including the nearby Stirling Range, is rich in spiritual and cultural significance. These lands and waters have sustained Goreng people for countless generations, shaping a strong cultural identity and deep respect for Country that continues today. The Borden Aboriginal Reserve, located on the edge of the town, reflects this enduring connection.
European settlement came to the area in the late 1800s, with farmers drawn to the region’s rich soils and open landscapes. Borden was officially gazetted as a town in 1916, following the construction of the Tambellup–Ongerup Railway. The town was named by the Secretary for Railways in honour of Sir Robert Laird Borden, Canada’s 8th Prime Minister, recognising the Commonwealth ties of the time.
Borden boasts one of the largest working traditional windmills in Australia and a mountain of grain in a staggeringly huge grain storage facility. At the height of the sandalwood trade, Paper Collar Creek was a meeting point for the sandalwood cutters. When they headed to town, they would dress up their shirts with collars made of paperbark to impress the ladies.
Borden Attractions
Stirling Range National Park and Bluff Knoll
The national park is where nature lovers come to see an abundance of flora and fauna or to test themselves hiking, abseiling or rock climbing. It has some of the best mountain walks in Western Australia, but walkers must always carry water and be prepared for sudden weather change as mountain mists, wind chill and rain can occur at any time. Light snow sometimes falls on the higher peaks during winter but it rarely lasts more than a few hours. The walks on offer include Bluff Knoll (1096m), Toolbrunup (1052m), Ellen Peak (1012m), Mount Trio (856m), Mount Magog (856m), Mount Hassell (847m) and Talyuberlup Peak (783m).
The Lily Dutch Windmill and Dakota DC3 Accommodation
The Lily Dutch Windmill is an authentic 16th Century design brick “ground-sail” mill. The five story full size Dutch Windmill is one of the largest traditional windmills ever built in Australia. Take a guided windmill tour (by appointment), purchase some outstanding spelt flour and stay in a range of beautiful accommodation options, including a Dakota DC3 plane.
Abseiling and Rock Climbing
Both abseiling and rock climbing are permitted in the Stirling Range National Park.
Hidden Treasures Orchid, Wildflower and Bird Tours
From 15thAugust to 31stOctober, Wildflower and Orchid Tours leave the Stirling Range Retreat daily at 9.00am (duration 3 hours). Tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits are provided. Bookings are recommended.
Dawn and Dusk Bird Walks (8am and 3pm) are held at the Retreat daily led by Birdlife Australia volunteers from 25th August to 27th October (duration 1.5 hours). All tariffs from these walks are donated to Birdlife Australia for preservation projects.
For more information
(08) 9827 9229
[email protected]
www.stirlingrange.com.au
Amelup Store
Visit the famous CAUTION, NUDISTS CROSSING sign near Amelup Store, where gentlemen can create their own unique photo memento from the waist up by standing behind the sign.
Borden Gazebo BBQ Area
A great place for a travel stop, just 200 metres from Pub Borden.
Nightwell Mineral Spring
Located 13km along Nightwell Road, off Chester Pass Road. Legend has it that it was called Nightwell because the water only flowed from the ground at nighttime, never during the day.
Bushwalking
For lovely easy walks, the Mabinup Creek Trail and the Mabinup Track are accessible from the Mount Trio Bush Camping and Caravan Park. There are also various other walk trails from 1.5 hours to 2 or 3 days throughout the Stirling Range.
Accommodation
Yardup Cottage
P: 0427 279 241
W: www.yardup.net
E: [email protected]
Mongup Farm
P: (08) 9827 9234 or 0429 179 234
Mount Trio Bush Camping and Caravan Park
P: 0419 751 801
W: www.mttrio.com.au
E: [email protected]
Stirling Range Retreat
P: (08) 9827 9229
E: [email protected]
The Lily Dutch Windmill, Windmill Tours & Spelt Flour Sales
P: 0427 279 206
W: www.thelily.com.au
Borden Guesthouse and Lodge
P: 0429 179 234
Food
Amelup Roadhouse
takeaway only
P: (08) 9827 9222
Bluff Knoll Café
P: (08) 9827 9269
The Pub, Borden
P: (08) 9828 1103
Visitor Information
Shire of Gnowangerup, Yongenup Road
P: (08) 9827 1007
W: www.gnowangerup.wa.gov.au
Gnowangerup CRC, Yougenup Road
P: (08) 9827 1635
