| Broomehill | |
Location: | 316km southeast of Perth |
Shire: | Broomehill |
Population: | 503 |
Postcode: | 6318 |
The small township of Broomehill was established after the construction of the Great Southern Railway. Prior to this there had been a settlement a few kilometres away at Eticup. This thriving little village possessed two stores, an hotel, a church and eight blacksmiths. However, once the railway opened in 1889, Eticup declined and a gradual move was made to the present location of Broomehill, which was situated closer to the line. Broomehill was declared a township in 1897.
The famous Holland's Track began here in 1893. Travellers to the goldfields in the 1890s would travel by train from Albany to Broomehill before setting off on their gruelling overland trek. In 1956 a memorial was erected to mark the track's beginning.
These days farming is the district's prime industry, with wheat the major source of income. There are also several excellent merino stud farms in the area.
A visit to the old township of Eticup, six kilometres to the west of Broomehill, is well worth the effort. It is located on the BroomehillKojonup road. Broomehill Historical Society has an interesting display of farm machinery and memoribilia in the musuem in Jasper Street.
Many varieties of wildflowers are to be found in pockets around the district as well as wattle and several varieties of gum including the beautiful red, white and sugar gums.