Long before Broomehill became a township, the land was part of the traditional country of the Goreng and Kaneang people of the Noongar nation. For generations, they lived in deep connection with this landscape, its rolling plains, bushlands, and waterways, practicing seasonal movement, ceremony and care for Country. A site of particular significance lies at Hayfield Reserve, where a natural pool was once used for ceremonial purposes.
European settlement began in the late 1800s, following the completion of the Great Southern Railway in 1889. The new rail line shifted activity away from the small settlement of Eticup, then a bustling coach stop along the old Albany Road, and brought people and progress to what would become Broomehill. Remarkably, the entire township of Eticup, including its stores, inn, blacksmith and residents, moved 8 kilometers east to start afresh beside the railway line.
The new town of Broomehill quickly developed into a vital agricultural hub. Today, it’s recognised as the starting point of the famous Holland Track, a historic 700km goldfields route blazed by John Holland in 1893. Visitors can still explore heritage buildings, walk the Broomehill Heritage Trail, or pause at the Eticup site, where a commemorative plaque marks the memory of the once-thriving township.
Broomehill Attractions
West Broomehill Postie Run Geocache Trail
The West Broomehill Postie Run Geocache Trail will take you to 23 locations roughly following a postie’s run around an old agricultural area to the west of the Broomehill townsite.
Holland Track
You can walk an original section of this historic track to the goldfields off Lathom Street. The drive trail will take you on a 600km journey all the way to Coolgardie. Options are to follow the original Holland Track by 4WD or travel the Holland Way on gravel roads either 2WD or 4WD (we recommend that you check at the Shire during wet periods before setting off). Brochures are available from the Shire.
Wildflowers
If you like bushwalking, the natural bushland that surrounds the Broomehill townsite teems with fauna and flora, particularly in spring. Boot Rock Reserve and the Broomehill Golf Course are wildflower hotspots for enthusiasts.
Holland Park and Sheridan’s Memorial Garden
This shady oasis is an ideal spot to break your travel, with playground, clean amenities and free BBQ facilities available.
Broomehill Museum
This is another little treasure worth a visit. Recently renovated by a dedicated volunteer group we encourage you to call 0488 620 453 to arrange your visit.
Henry Jones Building
This is one of the social hubs of the Broomehill community. Built in 1911 as a general store, bank and bakery, the owners have been lovingly restoring this magnificent old structure to its former glory. It is now home to a café, restaurant, winery, art and craft gallery and bed and breakfast. Call in and let Jim and Annabel share their vision and passion while you enjoy fine food and local wine. Open every day except Monday.
Broomehill Post Office
Purpose built in 1892 this little gem has hardly changed in over 100 years. There’s no horse and cart, but mail and essential items still get delivered to farm gates through this post office.
St Elizabeth’s Church
Built in 1892 as a police station and then later converted to a church, this quaint little treasure is worth a look. Open every day.
Boot Rock
Mother Nature’s unique rock formations can be found all over WA – Broomehill has Boot Rock. It is part of a reserve that borders on the southern side of town where you will also find 130 species of natural vegetation. So put your walking boots on and explore this little jewel that Mother Nature has created.
Food
Henry Jones Café
P: (08) 9824 1513
Visitor Information
Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup
30360 Great Southern Hwy, Broomehill
W: shirebt.wa.gov.au
E: [email protected]
P: (08) 9825 3555
