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Broomehill, a small village in the heart of the Great Southern region is the hub of the surrounding farming district with cropping in cereals, canola and pulses, sheep production, stud rams, wine, nuts, olives, yabbies and barramundi. Visitors are welcomed.
The Broomehill Recreation complex offers an 18 hole golf course set amongst native bush with beautiful wild flower displays - ideal for bushwalks and picnics. Other facilities include bowls, tennis and a playground.
A Walk hrough the Village is the best way to see Broomehill’s many interesting heritage sites, which takes about 2 hours, depending on who you meet on the way. Sites include The Jones Store that stocked the very best imported European goods. Boot Rock Reserve, a landmark with native vegetation, rare orchids, mammals and reptiles. The walk passes an old well, buildings, homes and mansions with heritage gardens and a rosebush over 100 years old. The Museum housing photographs and memorabilia, is open on request. Holland Park is a tranquil place to relax by the BBQ. The Holland Track can be retraced on a 2.6km walk. A memorial marks a spot where the four adventurers set off.
Eticup, the first settlement in the district grew near a pool on the Gordon River after pastoral leases were taken up in 1852 . The Aboriginal name for the pool was Yeeticup - the “Singing Place” or “Song Camping Place”. In 1889 the Great Southern Railway line opened bypassing Eticup. The town Broome Hill was founded on route soon after, named in honour of Governor Sir Frederick Napier Broome. Eticup Inn and the two stores relocated before the year was out.
BROOMEHILL TODAY
Prosperity of the heady early days waned over time, however there is a now resurgence. The enthusiasm and pride of the community and council is reflected by the recent construction of an excellent caravan park and other facilities in the township. The district has a bright future.
As well as great pride in their village the folk there like a bit of fun. Not bothered by the lack of water, they organised an Aquafest and Boat Show, an inexpensive family fun day. The event was so successful it is now held annually on the last weekend of February. In early November a tour of rural homesteads and village gardens takes place.
For further information contact:
Shire of Broomehill phone (08) 9824 1245
THE HOLLAND TRACK
THE HOLLAND TRACKWhen gold was discovered near Coolgardie in 1892, the rush attracted fortune seekers from all over the world. Many arrived in Albany by steam ship, caught the Great Southern train to York and then pushed wheelbarrows loaded with possessions the rest of the way. The lack of a direct route to the goldfields was a huge obstacle.
In April 1893, John Holland from Broome Hill set out with companions Rudolf and David Krakouer and John Carmody to cut a track from the village to Bayley’s Find. (Coolgardie). The autumn weather was mild as they swung their axes. The party reached Bayley’s Find on June 18th, 1893 the day after Paddy Hannan reported discovery of gold at what is now Kalgoorlie.
Covering some 330 miles of unexplored country in 2 months and 4 days, they had cut the longest continuous track in WA, shortening the south west Goldfields’ route by a fortnight or more. The Track resulted in an influx of prospectors to Broomehill, putting the village on the map, and helped open up the wheat belt country for settlement.
The stories of those who blazed the track and travelled along it is a fascinating chapter of Australian history. The south west section of the original track is now largely farmland with reduced access but several unconnected sections of track can be followed on wheatbelt roads.
Previously impassable East Hyden to Coolgardie section of Track through bushland, was re-established in 1982 by a group of dedicated locals and signage has been added.
To travel this section, a range of 360km plus is required. Fuel supplies are only available at Broomehill, Nyabing, Newdegate, Hyden (42km off route) and Coolgardie. Three days at least should be allowed. Spring is the best time (wildflower season) or autumn. Summer can be hot. Nor should it be attempted after rain. Detailed information and maps should be obtained prior to the journey.
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