| Wagin | |
Location: | 229km southeast of Perth |
Shire: | Wagin |
Population: | 1293 |
Postcode: | 6315 |
The township of Wagin was established in 1889 when the Beverley to Albany Railway Line was completed and it became a service centre for the surrounding rural district. Today the town is a commercial, transport and communications centre for the region. Local industries include sheep farming and the biggest engineering operation outside Perth. A feature of the town is the Giant Ram next to a restful park in Arthur Street. The structure marks the town's reliance on the wool industry.
One of the main attractions of the town is the Wagin Historical Village, a replica of the actual pioneering village of 100 years ago. The main street of the village features a bank, a school, a stone kiosk, newspaper office, settler's cottage and a general store. A wool museum is also located in the complex.
A popular recreation and picnic spot is located 17 kilometres south at Lake Norring. The 700 hectare lake is an excellent swimming, sailing and waterskiing area. Puntapin Rock, southeast of Wagin, is another pleasant picnic area. The odd rock formation is used as a water catchment and a climb to the top is recommended.
Six kilometres west of Wagin is Mount Latham. The surrounding countryside can be viewed from the peak and a number of bushwalks are marked.