10 Best Things To Do In Toodyay, Australia This Summer

1. Newcastle Gaol Museum

The Old Gaol, sometimes referred to as the Old Newcastle Gaol Museum in Clinton Street is a superb stone building, constructed in 1862. It has recently undergone extensive restoration and renovation. The museum consists of extensive yards, a few cells, storeroom, kitchen and a constable’s quarter.

It is a fine example of a small provincial jail. Originally, the building was used as a prison and a hiring depot for convicts. Soon after, it was converted into the local police station until it was rented as a private house. The Old Gaol remained a private dwelling until 1940, after which it fell into disrepair. It was then acquired by the local council. Today the building houses a very fine folk museum collection.

Newcastle Gaol Museum

Address: 14 Clinton St, Toodyay WA 6566, Australia

Website: Newcastle Gaol Museum

2. The Cola Café & Museum

The historic town of Toodyay has a unique cafe for those with a hankering for nostalgia. It is home to a unique collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia and the Cola Café. Be prepared to get excited and check out its collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia, collected throughout a 45-year time span. The Cola Café & Museum is a 1950s style café, serving Aussie tucker and foot-tapping, retro music.

Besides all this, be surrounded by Brian Dawes’ Coke obsession, while visiting this café. You will see everything from the traditional to the quaint and quirky. Among the collection is a can collection, showing the evolution of Coca-Cola design, bottles, red plastic chairs for the café’s fresco diners, clocks and much more. Pamper yourself on the terrace for breakfast and sit and watch the world go by, while you are here. During the winter months, you can enjoy the famous egg omelette combo, that also comes with eggs benedict, or both separately, while keeping yourself warm by the cosy gas fire.

There is more - the café has a great menu, ranging from breakfast, brunch to lunch. Apart from all this, its good, old-fashioned service, quality coffee, as well as its delicious and beautiful cakes make you want to come again to this cafe. It’s not hard to find this café, as it is finely decorated in black, red and white.

The Cola Café & Museum

Address: 128 Stirling Terrace, Toodyay WA 6566, Australia

Website: The Cola Café & Museum

3. Coorinja Vineyard

Established in the 1870s, Coorinja Vineyard is Australia’s oldest winery and is located about 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) from Toodyay. Coorinja is the native name, meaning the “Place of the Seven Springs”. It has numerous artefacts on-site, related to the wine industry. The cellars are built of bricks and stone in a two to three-storeyed building. In addition, it still has a large number of the original 770 and 470-gallon casks.

The winery produces a wide array of dessert and table wines. Some of the table wines include white wine, Harper Brook as well as red wines, like Grenache, Shiraz and Cabernet-Shiraz. On the other hand, its dessert wines include marsala, ports, ginger wine, sherries and liqueur muscat. Get ready to sample the many vintages on offer and sit back and relax in the picturesque setting of the historic winery.

This is indeed a great way to enjoy an afternoon in the beautiful Avon Valley. To get here you can drive through the Darling Ranges, along Toodyay, which will lead you to this cellar.

Coorinja Vineyard

Address: 5914 Toodyay Rd, Hoddys Well WA 6566, Australia

Website: Coorinja Vineyard

4. The Space Place Observatory

Why not head to the Space Place Observatory, situated in the scenic town of Julimar, Toodyay, to experience outdoors under the clear night sky and observe the wonders of space. This observatory is totally ‘dome free’, and is outside, under the natural canopy of the night sky. The Space Place Observatory specializes in sky observing, and offers an Astronomy Experience for tourists and visitors, alike.

One can view the dark sky and get a wondrous view of the galaxies, stars, planets and more, through the telescope while at this attraction. Besides this, visitors are inspired and taught here, as they gain knowledge, guided by the experienced astronomers. If you plan to come here, you need to arrive before sunset and don’t forget to bring along a picnic basket.

Unwind, relax and wander through the majestic English country and Australian native bushland of the Cartref Park Country Gardens, before the stargazing activities begin.

The Space Place Observatory

Address: 163 Howard Rd, Julimar WA 6567, Australia

Website: The Space Place Observatory

5. Toodyay Holiday Park and Chalets

This point of interest is a very peaceful holiday park, amid a bush setting, with plenty of birdlife. It is nestled in the hills of Toodyay bushland, just opposite the golf course and racecourse. This bush campground is a unique caravan park and is home to Henry the peacock, native kangaroos as well as three, wise emus.

At night, the lights in the bush give this park a relaxing and magical feel. During the winter season, you will get to gaze up at the stars, while sitting around the campfire. You can opt to stay on an unpowered, large, powered site or in the chalets, with log fires. Whether you are staying in the onsite accommodation, camping or caravanning, you can enjoy the beautiful views around the surrounding areas. If you plan to come here, remember to bring along your camping gear. Apart from that, Toodyay Holiday Park and Chalets provide free transfer to or from the train station, but you need to book in advance. What are you waiting for? Embark on an exciting trip and go camping.

Toodyay Holiday Park and Chalets

Address: 188 Racecourse Rd, Toodyay WA 6566, Australia

Website: Toodyay Holiday Park and Chalets

6. The Toodyay Lolly Shop

Tempt your taste buds or purchase local produce, while you are at the Toodyay Lolly Shop. The shop is strategically located near the Toodyay Visitor Centre and you should not have a hard time locating it. Browse the extensive range of chocolates and sweets while taking a trip down memory lane. The shop is stocked with a wide range of old-fashioned fudge and licorice, humbugs, toffees, chocolates and others. Kids will definitely love this.

The shop caters to all ages of visitors and you can enjoy a free taste test in a friendly environment, while you are here. Also, don’t miss their lollipop trees - a great spot to take a picture for remembrance. This is a must visit place for those who love sweets and chocolate.

The Toodyay Lolly Shop

Address: 121F Stirling Terrace, Toodyay WA 6566, Australia

Facebook: The Toodyay Lolly Shop

7. Toodyay Miniature Railway

There is something about things in miniature, that makes them so much cuter. And that’s just what you will find here, in the picturesque town of Toodyay. This attraction is located in the center of the town, in the newly upgraded and refurbished Duidgee Park. Did you know that the Toodyay Miniature Railway runs through the amazing bushland next to the Avon River? It consists of a coal fire steam locomotive, diesel engines and battery operated trains.

Get ready to see kangaroos and emus sitting in their paddock, while the train takes you on an adventurous ride. The 1.1 kilometer (0.68 mile) railway runs along the Avon River and winds its way through the countryside, over two bridges and through a tunnel, passing Turtle Crossing. Children will indeed have fun taking a ride on this miniature train, especially during school holidays.

Toodyay Miniature Railway

Address: Toodyay WA 6566, Australia

Website: Toodyay Miniature Railway

8. Hoodywell Archery Park

This is Australia’s first and only full-sized, dedicated Public Archery Park, located in natural bushland, which includes archery, a pro shop, three archery trails, a drink kiosk and target lane. It caters to social groups, individuals, clubs and families who want to have a go at archery without the expense of purchasing archery equipment. Various archery equipment for beginners all the way to professional are also available for rent.

Hoodywell Archery Park

Address: 1027 Clackline-Toodyay Rd, Toodyay WA 6566, Australia

Website: Hoodywell Archery Park

9. Connor’s Mill

In 1870, Connor’s Mill was constructed, by George Henry Hasell. Located on Stirling Terrace, Connor’s Mill is a steam driven flour mill and it was also used to generate electricity, in the early part of the 17th century. Saved from demolition in the 1970’s and restored to demonstrate the milling process and machinery, the mill now forms the museum section of the Toodyay Visitor Centre.

Connor's Mill

Address: 7 Piesse Street, Toodyay, WA,6566

Website: Connor’s Mill

10. Christmas 360

Visit Toodyay, a wonderful country town and make a stop at Christmas 360, a wonderland of everything Christmas. It is Christmas all year round at this shop, located on the main street of Toodyay. The store brings you the latest lighting trends and Christmas decorations, from around the globe, each and every year.

This is a must-visit shop when you are in Toodyay and it is jammed packed with Christmas goodies. It’s a highly recommended destination for any visitor to this part of town.

Christmas 360

Address: 113 Stirling Terrace, Toodyay WA 6566, Australia

Website: Christmas 360

A valley for all seasons

Being an hour’s drive from Perth, present day Toodyay is a popular venue for tourists and a valley for all seasons. The town is recognized for its potential as a tourist destination, with ample historic buildings, accommodation and a world of charm to satisfy any urban traveller. It is classified as a historic town and it is truly a cultural site, set in the glorious heart of the pristine Avon valley and offers visitors a unique country experience. No matter what season you decide to visit, there is always something to see or do in this renowned Western Australia town and its surrounding countryside.