York

The basics

Given its proximity to Perth, York is easy to visit in a single day if you’re short on time. Guided day trips often include additional Western Australia attractions such as Aboriginal sites or geological formations like Wave Rock. If you’re only interested in York, it’s easy to get there independently by car; you can also do a self-guided walk around the historical town center or up to the Mount Brown Lookout.

Points of interest include the Residency Museum, part of York’s Convict Depot; York Town Hall; the York Courthouse Complex, made up of an old gaol, police station, and courtrooms dating back to the 1840s; the Swinging Bridge; and the York Post Office. Just outside of town, hiking, skydiving, and other outdoor pursuits are other popular pursuits.

Things to know before you go

• York is ideal for history buffs and outdoorsy travelers.

• The York Visitor Centre is located at the Town Hall on Avon Terrace.

• Bring sun protection and water if you’re planning on walking or hiking.

• If you need to rest or let the kids blow off steam, head to Pioneer Avon Park, right on the banks of the river.

How to get there

York is 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of Perth; it takes about 90 minutes to drive between the two. Head out of the city on Highway 94 (aka the Great Eastern Highway) and continue onto the Great Southern Highway, which takes you straight into town.

When to get there

Annual events and celebrations, including the York Christmas Festival; the York Motor Show in July or August; the York Motorcycle Festival in April; and the York Festival, a month-long event in September and October, all draw visitors to York.

Wildflowers around York

Western Australia boasts a variety of wildflowers, particularly around York. The high flowering season typically runs from August to October, with scattered flowers at other times. The York Visitor Centre has current information about where to see the blooms in all their glory.

Is York near Perth worth visiting?

Yes, if you are interested in Australia’s colonial history or a love of wildflowers, York in Western Australia is worth visiting from Perth. Visits to York can also incorporate stargazing thanks to the town’s limited light pollution and many recreational activities, including golf, horseback riding, and skydiving, allowing York to appeal to people with diverse hobbies and interests.

What can we do at York in Western Australia?

At York in Western Australia, you can see a range of colonial and historic buildings along the town’s main street, Avon Terrace. You can visit several museums that explore different aspects of York’s history, including the Residency Museum, the York Courthouse Museum, and the York Motor Museum. You can also visit the Wongborel/Mount Brown Lookout to admire its uninterrupted view.

What is the best time to visit York for outdoor tours and activities?

The best time to visit York for outdoor activities is in the spring months of September to November. At this time of year, you get in before the oppressive heat of summer in this inland town and instead are gifted pleasant and mainly dry weather. Early to mid–spring is also when the region’s wildflowers are most impressive.

Are there family–friendly tours and activities in York, Western Australia?

Many activities visitors can do in York are suitable for families traveling with children. In town, you have the suspension bridge over the Avon River, a large playground nearby at Avon Park, and the ever-popular old-fashioned candy store of Pennyfarthing Sweets. A more adventurous, family-friendly activity on offer around York is horseback riding.

Are there day trips from York to nearby attractions?

Yes, there are day trips from York that you can do independently with your own transportation. From York, you can do day trips to Wave Rock, a photogenic natural formation near the town of Hyden, as well as some of the nearer locations of the Australian Silo Art Trail, including ones at Merredin and Northam.

Are there guided walking tours available in York, Western Australia?

Visitors to York in Western Australia can do several self-guided walking tours around town following maps provided by the York Visitors Centre. Each walking route follows themes, such as architecture and York’s colonial past, and shows you where important, relevant local landmarks are while letting you set the pace of your visit.