Sights of Broomehill
Henry Jones Building
Built in 1911, this notable heritage listed building was main general store selling everything from flour to bullets. Mr R. Jones owned the complex which in its day included the General Store, Bakery, Butcher, his Emporium and an office of the Union Bank. Mr Jones imported fine goods from Europe for his store and customers would come from a far to make purchases. The Henry Jones Building today has been lovingly renovated into a winery, café, restaurant, art and craft gallery and bed and breakfast. The Henry Jones Winery and Café is a must visit destination, a stunning heritage building that wears its history and period. Acting as a main social core of the Broomehill community, it is the perfect venue to learn about Broomehill’s past and future.
Opening hours:
Tues – Wed: 10am – 5pm
Thurs – Sat: 9:20am – late
Sun: 9am – 6pm
St Elizabeth Church
The St Elizabeth Church was first established as a police station in 1892, one of the oldest buildings in Broomehill, and is highly valued by the local community. Extensive modifications were made to the police station in 1953 to convert it into a church. The beautiful stained-glass window at the back of the church is a tribute to Lieutenant Frank Richardson, who was killed in action in New Guinea in December 1943, aged 20.
“The fact that the church originally began its life as a police station and courthouse makes it extremely uncommon.” – Graham Kierath, Heritage Minister, 1997.
Opens daily.
Walk the Village
Explore Broomehill and walk through our village to visit many sites, including heritage buildings that are rich in history. The walk will take a couple of hours or more depending on whom you meet along the way. Please take the time to have a look around and enjoy the sites. Learn about each site and building to find out their unique stories and historic background.
Click here to download the village map
Holland Track & Holland Park
Back in 1893, gold was discovered in Coolgardie and prospectors came from all over Australia to seek their fortunes. The only route available from Albany was via Northam and a shorter route was required. John Holland and his party set out from Broomehill in April 1893 to carve a track to Coolgardie, which would take about two weeks off travelling time. They arrived there two months later, having covered 330 miles of unexplored country, and cut the longest continuous track in WA.
Today you can still follow the Holland Track and embark on an exciting 4WD adventure. Best times to travel the track are autumn and, particularly, spring (wildflower season).
Holland Park, in the centre of Broomehill, is dedicated to the brave explorers who opened up the Holland Track and is a lovely spot to rest or play.
Click here to download the Holland Track map
Post Office
Built in 1892, the Broomehill Post Office had been delivering mail for the Broomehill community for over 100 years. The post office has been renovated to include a small gift and stationery shop. Local tourist information and brochures are also available at the site.
Wadjekanup Bridge and Hayfield Reserve
The Wadjekanup Bridge is one of the oldest surviving bridges in WA. Still standing, it can’t handle cars but you can walk across it to the nearby Hayfield Reserve and enjoy the flora and fauna. Historically, the pool was used as an Aboriginal ceremonial site but is often used today by the locals to cool off during the hot summers.
Standing nearby, you can find the old Hayfield School, an 1854 pioneer grave and a hut built by Prisoners of War. A detailed map can be picked up from the Post Office, Shire of Roadhouse.
Museum
The Broomehill Museum is a small brick building built in 1898 originally serving as a town hall. It was then repurposed into a Mechanic’s Lodge and eventually into a Church. Today, it is used as a museum, holding a treasure trove of interesting machinery and memorabilia. The museum is set for a refurbishment and upgrade to breathe new life into the historical site.
Picnic Spots
If a picnic spot is what you are looking for then the Broomehill township has two lovely shady spots to stop. Holland Park is situated at the rear of the Shire office and the Centenary Park is opposite the Hotel. Both provide parking for caravans. BBQs, playground and well maintained toilets at Holland Park make this an ideal place to stop on your travels through the region. A coffee from the Henry Jones Winery and Cafe across the road on India St will just cap your visit off!
If you have a little spare time and like a bush walk and nature then you maybe pleasantly surprised in what the natural bush surrounding the town has to offer.
Discover the ideal picnic spots in the Broomehill township to relax and enjoy the scenic nature. Holland Park, situated at the rear of the Shire office, is a tranquil place to rest and have a BBQ.
The Centenary Park, opposite of the Hotel, is popular area that features lush carpets of green and children’s playground. Large trees provide a welcome shade for picnic rugs and BBQ areas to prepare a delicious lunch. Both parks provide public conveniences and parking for caravans.
Take a walk through the area to explore the surrounding bushland and take in the natural beauty. Finish the trip off by having a coffee from the Henry Jones Winery and Café, a popular spot to have a chat and enjoy some wine tasting.
More tourist information can be found on the Broomehill page of the Great Southern Treasures website and at the Shire Office.