Slater Homestead

George Slater, the first settler in Goomalling, built the Slater Homestead in 1856 on a pastoral lease. He expanded his pastoral interests and bred remount horses for the Indian Army. Slater employed convicts to assist in the development of the property and engaged a school teacher to provide education for his children and others in the district, and built a school room and teacher accommodation. From 1888, to cater for the growing number of travellers trekking to the Yilgarn goldfields, Slater Homestead became a wayside inn, providing refreshments and hay to explorers, surveyors and travellers. It was a retreat for explorer John Forrest who set out on some of his expeditions from here and was a stop off for Bayley and Ford who discovered gold in Coolgardie.

The Old Slater Homestead is located 2kms east of Goomalling on the Goomalling-Dowerin Road and is open every weekend from March until November from 10am to 4pm. Devonshire teas and light lunches are available in the tearoom. There is a new art exhibition each month; see the events calendar for what's coming up. There is also accommodation available at the homestead - bookings are essential. You can read more about Slater Homestead and feel free to contact the Shire of Goomalling on 9629 1101 if you would like more information.

Shepherd’s Grave

On the opposite side of the road north of the Slater Homestead lies John Bentley. Bentley, an English employee of George Slater, died in about 1880 and lies buried, as he desired, in the paddock he cleared. The lonely grave is surrounded by an impressive stone monument and is also easily seen from the road, as is the Slater Homestead.

Oak Park & Gnamma Holes

The Oak Park Flora and Fauna Reserve comprises 149 hectares of remnant native vegetation. To its south-west lies the Lake Walyormouring Nature Reserve. Oak Park is named for the Swamp She-oaks (Casuarina obesa) in the area. The Balardong people, traditional owners of the area, refer to it as Wolyamurry, from wolya, the word for kangaroo rat. Since European settlement, 95% of the Wheatbelt area has been cleared for agriculture so Oak Park is of significant value in providing habitat for native animals and illustrating the original mix of flora and fauna in the area. Visitors are invited to enjoy this precious piece of nature. The Oak Park walk trail winds through the reserve for 3 kms in two loops which both start at the picnic area. The signs along the trail will tell you about the wetlands, granite outcrops and bush that you pass. The signs also provide information about the lives of the traditional owners of the land, the Balardong people, as well as the settlers who arrived from 1899.  The Oak Park picnic area has a BBQ, covered seating and a long drop toilet.  The first Oak Park picnic was held on 7 September 1906, when around 80 people gathered to enjoy a variety of outdoor sports and games. Residents contributed prizes for the children's races and novelty events and all had a good time. You can read more about Oak Park and please feel free to contact the Shire of Goomalling on 9629 1101 to find out more.

Goomalling Museum

The Goomalling Museum was once the Konnongorring School, typical of the schools between the years of 1900 and 1940 being a one teacher school. It has been restored and furnished to demonstrate the rural and isolated site it once was. It has been moved to Goomalling and has a rare windmill and old machinery display around it.

GOOMALLING HISTORY BOOK

Purchase a slice of history: Goomalling - A Backward Glance by Barbara Sewell is available for $44.00 at:

• Shire of Goomalling offices
• Goomalling Post Office
• Caravan Park
• Go Cafe