12 Highly Recommended Things To Do In York, Western Australia

Highly Recommended Things To Do in York, Western Australia
Adrian Chew
Adrian Chew 
Updated

Did you know that there is a town in Australia which has a similar name with a town in the United Kingdom? It is none other than York. This town in Western Australia is an amazing place to visit.

From its historic suspension bridge to a motor museum, this part of Western Australia offers you a unique experience and fun trip for your entire family. The town is located about 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) east of Perth city. So, come and visit the oldest town in Western Australia for your coming holidays.

Read on to find out about the best things to do in York, Western Australia.

1. York Motor Museum

1994 - Jackie Stewart's 1970's March 701 F1 car on display at the Motor Museum, York, Western Australia
Source: Photo by Flickr user aussiejeff used under CC BY-SA 2.0

You will get to visit a museum full of racing bikes, classic cars and motorcycles. Yes, it is only possible if you come to York in Western Australia. Established in 1979, the museum has a complete collection of automobiles from around the world. Imagine yourself in a motor exhibition with all the vintage cars around you. It is a one-stop attraction to learn about the history of automobiles, and kids need to visit this place too.

York Motor Museum

Address: 116 Avon Terrace, 6302 York, Western Australia, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday(9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Price: Adults, 9 AUD (7.05 USD), Children, 4 AUD (3.13 USD)

Website: York Motor Museum

2. Gallery 152

FvfCasaRoces9399 10
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Judgefloro used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

This is definitely one of Western Australia’s cultural spaces to watch. Housed in a gorgeous heritage building, Gallery 152 buzzes with exhibitions and workshops by some of Australia’s finest contemporary artists. Check out their constantly changing roster of workshops to try your hand at portraiture and haute couture. After a spot of tea in the gallery cafe, don’t forget to pick up fine jewellery and prints in the gallery shop.

Gallery 152

Address: 152 Avon Terrace, York WA 6302, Australia

Opening Hours: 10am - 3pm (daily)

Website: Gallery 152

3. Penny Farthing Sweets

Candy shop
Source: Pixabay

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

Looking for some candy? There is one shop in York that sells chocolates, sweets, and lollipops. Kids will love them, but try not to buy in bulk quantities as it is very unhealthy. You will have a hard time choosing what to buy as there are just too many to choose from while you are at Penny Farthing Sweets.

Take a look at the picture above. You will want to grab everything if possible. Visiting the shop will remind you of your childhood and it is definitely worth it.

Penny Farthing Sweets

Address: 125 Avon Terrace, 6302 York, WA, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. Mount Brown Lookout

CSIRO ScienceImage 4034 View of the Avon Valley and the township of York from Mt Brown lookout WA 1981
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CSIRO used under CC BY 3.0

Skydiving is not the only way to enjoy the entire town. You can also go to the popular Mount Brown Lookout in York. Perfect for sunset views and family picnics, you will not want to miss the excitement here. Be prepared to take your camera and snap a photo of you posing at the top. While taking pictures, watch your steps. Take a look at the picture above, it is a defining moment of your life and the panoramic views from the lookout are totally magnificent.

Mount Brown Lookout

Address: 6302 York, WA, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (24 hours)

Website: Mount Brown Lookout

5. York Olive Oil Co.

Olive Oil
Source: Pixabay

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

Looking forward to buying some olive oil? A chance to visit the factory and see how it is processed? Now you can. Head over to York Olive Oil Co. and you get to sample some olive oil and also learn the process involved in producing olive oil.

Olive oil has many uses and you can find out more while visiting the factory. Do remember to book in advance from the website. You can spend either a half day or one whole day to learn more about olive oil, and it is a unique experience. The aromas of the olive oil will make you feel at home.

York Olive Oil Co.

Address: 254 Ashworth Rd, 6302 Daliak, WA, Australia

Opening Hours: Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday to Friday

Website: York Olive Oil Co.

6. York Courthouse Complex

York Courthouse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michal Lewi used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Mentioning about heritage buildings in Australia, there are many such buildings in the country. While visiting York, why not take a trip down memory lane to learn more about the town’s courthouse? Walk around the courthouse and take a look at its prison’s graffiti. The courthouse complex offers visitors and tourists a glimpse of the past especially from the days of the first convicts until the late 20th century.

The building was constructed in 1852. The police station and cell block within the vicinity were also built the same year. The National Trust acquired the entire complex in 1983 as part of the conservation initiative. Therefore, it is a good thing the courthouse complex is being preserved for the future.

York Courthouse Complex

Address: 132 Avon Terrace, 6302 York, WA, Australia

Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed every Tuesday to Wednesday and Good Friday

Price: Adults, 8 AUD (6.27 USD), Children above 5 years, 5 AUD (3.92 USD)

Website: York Courthouse Complex

7. Avon River Suspension Bridge

York. Pool Street suspension bridge across the Avon River.
Source: Photo by Flickr user denisbin used under CC BY-ND 2.0

There is one bridge you need to experience for yourself while you are in York. It is a short walking distance from Lowe Street in York. The bridge is solid and stable, so do not be afraid of the height and the river beneath it. Overcome your fear and cross the bridge while you are here.

Avon River Suspension Bridge

Address: Lowe Street, | Avon Park, 6302 York, Western Australia, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (24 hours)

Website: Avon River Suspension Bridge

8. York Town Hall

York WA town hall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ashul used under CC BY 2.0

Look at the picture above. You will be surprised that the town hall is also a tourist information center. This heritage listed town hall is one of the iconic buildings in York. The town hall was built in 1911 and was later renovated in 2000. If you need information about accommodations, places to visit in Western Australia or where to eat, you can refer to the staff at the visitor center.

York Town Hall

Address: Corner Avon Terrace & Joaquina Street, 6302 York, Western Australia, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Price: Free of charge

Website: York Town Hall

9. Peace Park Markets

Arlington: Courthouse Farmers Market
Source: Photo by Flickr user Cliff used under CC BY 2.0

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

Every month on the second Saturday, the Peace Park will be packed with crowds. Do not miss the charity markets if you are in York at that time. You will get to see what the locals are up too while taking a walk at the park. Besides, you get to buy items at a reasonable price. From local produce to handicrafts, it is a great place to hang out for kids and families over the weekend.

Peace Park Markets

Address: LOT 27 Joaquina St, 6302 York, WA, Australia

Opening Hours: Second Saturday of every month, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Website: Peace Park Markets

10. Buy Australian at the Sock Factory

Socks
Source: Pixabay

Visiting a sock factory may sound dull, but this one is the last local manufacturer of socks. Visitors get to see the 30-year-old machinery that they used to make the socks. Plus, there’s much more than socks. Why not head across the street after you visit the Courthouse Complex?

They have a wide selection of hats, boots, and other Australian brands. For example, they stock things like pure wool, cotton, lanolin and olive oil products, and leather goods. The goods in the shop are great for personal use or as high-quality gifts. The store is open Mondays to Sundays between 9 AM and 3 PM.

The Sock factory

Address: Stephen Street, York, Western Australia 6302

Website: The Sock factory

11. Explore the York Residency Museum

2019-07-28 York Residency Museum (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sam Wilson used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This museum is in one of the oldest infrastructures in the region. In fact, it’s in the last bit of the convict depot. It covers much of the history of the area and includes that of the Aboriginal people. They were consulted when the displays were designed. The histories of the settlers and the local people are beautifully presented and are absolutely fascinating.

The kids will enjoy the hands-on displays and may even have the opportunity to try on some period costumes. The history is especially interesting as it goes back to before the first white settlers arrived, and before the town of York even started. Even the gardens are being worked to represent the six Aboriginal seasons.

York Residency Museum

Address: 4 Brook St, York, Western Australia 6302

Website: York Residency Museum

A historic town in Western Australia

The next time you are in Perth or plan to visit Western Australia, do also visit the town of York. You will be surprised with what the town has to offer. From its famous town hall to its beautiful lookout, York is a family getaway away from hectic life.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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I was born and raised in a small town called Muar, Johor in Malaysia. After my parents got married, I moved to Kuala Lumpur and currently residing in Selayang, Selangor. My favourite pastime...Read more

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