The McPherson Homestead built in 1869, Carnamah

Carnamah
Typical wheatbelt service centre town
Located 308 km north of Perth, Carnamah is a typical northern wheat–belt town with a tiny town population of around 600 and a total shire population of about 1800. The shire, which stretches from the coast through the mining town of Eneabba to Carnamah and beyond encompasses a total area of 2834 sq km. The town basically comprises a rather modern Council Chambers, the inevitable railway line and grain loading facilities, a main street with a hotel which has been converted to include motel–style accommodation, and plenty of farm equipment saleyards.

The Carnamah area was first settled in the 1860s when Duncan McPherson moved sheep across from the coast and took up land to the east of the present townsite. McPherson's Homestead, an excellent example of the pioneering architecture of the area, was built in 1869.

Settlement of the area was slow in spite of the fact that it enjoys a good rainfall (about 400 mm per annum) and the land is quite fertile. It was not until after World War I, when a War Service Farming Scheme was established at nearby Yarra Yarra Lakes, that the district's population began to expand. Some further War Service Farms were released in the 1950s after World War II.

Today the town is a service centre for the surrounding wheat, sheep and mixed farming properties. Like nearly all of the Central West the area is noted for its wildflower displays in late winter and early spring with the area around the Yarra Yarra Lakes being particularly attractive.

Things to see:  

McPherson's Homestead
McPherson's Homestead, an excellent example of the pioneering architecture of the area, was built in 1869. It is being restored and can be seen about 1 km out of town. Turn east at Waltons Farm Machinery corner and follow the signs. It stands on a gently sloping hill which affords views of the undulating surrounding countryside.

	Hotels
	Carnamah Hotel/Motel McPherson St Carnamah WA 6517 Telephone: (08) 9951 1023
	Caravan Parks
	Carnamah Caravan Park P.O. Box 80 Carnamah WA 6517 Telephone: (08) 9951 1055 Rating: **
	Restaurants
	Carnamah Hotel Restaurant McPherson St Carnamah WA 6517 Telephone: (08) 9951 1023