South West Rail and Heritage Centre Boyanup

Railways were critical in opening up regional areas of Western Australia and when the Bunbury to Boyanup railway was built in 1887 it was the first railway in WA specifically built to serve an agricultural district. Boyanup became a major railway junction, with lines stretching to Katanning and Flinders Bay, transporting timber, agricultural produce and people to Bunbury. Though the hissing of steam is rarely heard these days, the site is still alive with activity. Enthusiastic volunteers are constantly working on restoration projects on the rolling stock. Look out for the curved roof of the section of the Roundhouse which was relocated here from the Bunbury railyard in the 1980s. The Preston River Old Machinery Collection is also displayed on this site and the Capel Men’s Shed has its home here. Before you reach the large engines, enjoy the miniature railways of the South West Model Railway in the entrance building. Appreciate the details of the miniature landscapes, and look out for the painted “blue trees”: the Blue Tree Project began in Western Australia and explains why you will see dead trees painted blue across the Australian countryside. The Project aims to draw attention to mental health issues and concerns, particularly in rural and remote communities.