| Mount Barker | |
Location: | 359km southeast of Perth |
Shire: | Plantagenet |
Population: | 1520 |
Postcode: | 6324 |
The area around Mount Barker was first explored by T.B. Wilson, whose expedition set out from Albany in 1829. Early settlers included the Sisters of Mercy who were sent here in 1845 to convert the local Aborigines. The opening of the railway from Beverley to Albany via Mount Barker in 1889 led to the land being opened up and the town was founded in 1893.
Today the town is the administrative centre for the Shire of Plantagenet. The early applegrowing industry has declined and local industry now concentrates on sheep, cattle and wildflower drying. Winegrowing began in the district in the 1960s and Mount Barker now has a growing reputation for producing fine table wines. A number of wineries are open for tastings and sales.
Points of interest include the Old Police Station and Gaol just north of the town. It was built by convicts in 1868 and is now a museum. St Werburgh's Chapel on the EgertonWarburton estate is also of interest. The ornamental chancel screen and the wrought iron altar rail were handbeaten on the property when the chapel was built between 187273.
The drive up Mount Barker, five kilometres from town, is worth the effort for spectacular views of the Stirling Range and across to Albany.
Around 60 kilometres northwest of Mount Barker is a popular swimming hole at Lake Poorrarecup. The bushland near the lake is home to a variety of orchids. Two National Parks also in the region - the Stirling Range National Park and Porongurup National Park are both easily accessible from Mount Barker.