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Dowerin Attractions

Dowerin beckons visitors with its unique blend of history, agricultural vibrancy, and community spirit.

This charming town, surrounded by golden wheat fields, has a rich history rooted in farming and rural life. Whether you’re fascinated by agricultural showcases, historical landmarks, or simply yearning for a serene countryside escape, Dowerin promises a unique and enriching adventure in the heart of Western Australia.

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Rusty The Tin Dog & Tin Dog Creek Walk Trail

Rusty came into existence in 2004 through a project initiative led by students from Dowerin District High School, aiming to encourage visitors to stop in Dowerin. The students actively contributed to his design, secured funding for materials, and commissioned an artist to bring him to life. The inspiration behind Rusty lies in the legend of his home, Tin Dog Creek, a name rooted in the early settlement of the area and the commencement of mining in the Yilgarn Goldfields.

The story goes that settlers in Northam started using the surrounding land to feed and rest their stock during winter and driving them home when the feed started to dry off. A track was opened up as a result of this, leading to Moujakine, Yarragin and Eunuin.

From Goomalling onwards, the road followed a chain of water soaks, one of which became known as the 13-mile soak. The miners who were on their way to the Goldfields would leave their empty tinned beef cans (affectionately called ‘tinned dog’) by the water soak, thus Tin Dog Creek got its unique name (S. Gervas 1997).

Join Rusty the Tin Dog on an adventure throughout his home Tin Dog Creek, located just off Redding Road. Take a stroll through some of the last stands of untouched bush in the Wheatbelt and you won’t have to look hard to find some fantastic native flora, fauna and wildlife throughout the trail. There are many educational signs for your interest, the Tin Dog Creek Bird Hyde and some resting points along the way.

Pick up a walk trail map from the visitors centre at the Community Resource Centre on Stewart Street or at the Shire of Dowerin Office on Cottrell Street and head to the Tourist Information Bay on Goldfields Road and follow the green or red Rusty signs to enjoy the long or short walking trail.

You’ll find Rusty at the corner of Goldfields Road and Stewart St, Dowerin.

Dowerin and Districts Museum

The stories of number 16 Cottrell Street and its inhabitants are rich accounts of life in Wheatbelt WA during the first half of the 20th century offering a unique and compelling vision of family and business life at that time.

The building itself is a very authentic weatherboard and iron-roofed cottage, constructed in 1915 by Eugene O’Shaughnessy, the local Saddler and Harness Maker. Eugene O’Shaughnessy completed his saddlery apprenticeship in Pingelly and came to Dowerin in 1910, taking over the local saddlery business from Mr Gangell.

At that stage it was run from a canvas covered shed but in 1912 the Dowerin Trading Company built two shops and the saddlery business moved into one. The front of that shop is now on the museum premises and the building it fronts houses displays about the saddlery and other businesses from Dowerin town.

In 1915 Eugene married Mae Yolande Holyoake in Pingelly and after a honeymoon in Busselton they moved into their newly built home in October of that year. Here they raised 5 children: Sheilagh, Tom, Pat, Jim and Carmel, and Mrs O’Shaughnessy lived on here until her death.

There was a proposal to form a museum in town, Apex donated the money to purchase the property and local people donated a range of items to create the unique display you see today.

Bookings are by arrangement through the Dowerin Community Resource Centre on 9631 1662 or the Shire Administration Offices on 9631 1202. 

$5 per adult

Gold Coin per child

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Immerse yourself in Dowerin's rich history and experience the charm of this Wheatbelt town firsthand