| Newdegate | |
Location: | 399km southeast of Perth |
Shire: | Lake Grace |
Population: | 170 |
Postcode: | 6355 |
John Septimus Roe was the first explorer in the Newdegate area. He travelled through the region in 184849 with a party of five companions. Roe reported back that the land was, 'apparently unfit for any useful purpose'. However, the Newdegate and Lake King districts were settled between 1924 and 1926 following the clearing of land in the region, and today farming is the mainstay of the local economy.
Every year the agricultural industry goes on parade during the Newdegate Field Day, which is considered one of the best displays of field machinery in Western Australia. The event covers two days and is usually over a weekend in early September. It is held at the Newdegate Sports Ground located off the main road west of the township.
Nearby Lake King became known as the major control point of the first London to Sydney car rally; today it is better known as the starting point for the old sand track route through Frank Hann National Park and Peak Charles on the road to Norseman and the eastern States.
The Roe Heritage Trail, following the route taken by the early explorer, has been marked out. Information is available from the Lake King Tavern.