| Toodyay | |
Location: | 85km northeast of Perth |
Shire: | Toodyay |
Population: | 604 |
Postcode: | 6566 |
Located in the fertile Avon Valley, the present town of Toodyay was established in 1860. The original Toodyay was settled farther downstream on the Avon River in 1836, but constant flooding saw the town site moved. The new site was called Newcastle but was renamed Toodyay in 1911 with the old town renamed West Toodyay.
Toodyay is an historic town with a wide range of attractions including magnificent scenery and many historic buildings. Western Australia's most notorious bushranger, Moondyne Joe, carried out many of his exploits in the hills around the town. An exhibition depicting his life and times is located in Connors Mill, an old flour mill, which also houses the tourist centre. On display in the mill is a fascinating old steam engine that is still in working order.
The Old Newcastle Gaol and police stables were built by convicts in 1869 and 1870 using random stone rubble. The old gaol is now a museum.
To the southwest of Tooyday, the Avon Valley National Park has spectacular scenery and beautiful wildflowers in the spring.