Further Distractions
Mundaring Weir
For those exploring Perth by car, this destination in the Perth Hills is both a fascinating piece of engineering history and a picturesque picnic opportunity. The weir and its pumping station were constructed in the 1890s, to supply water to the Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie goldfields – 563km (350 miles) to the east – and succeeded against all expectations. The weir and its bush-land surroundings are an impressive sight and the weir wall can be crossed on foot. A museum housed in the original pumping station honours C Y O’Connor, the visionary engineer who designed the scheme but committed suicide prior to its completion. The museum is currently open on Sunday only. But with the centenary of the O’Connor project coming up, the museum is refurbishing and will be re-launching soon. Nearby are an arts and crafts shop, the Lavender Patch tea rooms, an outdoor summer cinema and the Mundaring Weir Hotel, a delightfully rustic country pub that is as old as the weir itself.
Number One Pump Station (C Y O’Connor Museum)
Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring
Tel: (08) 9295 2455. Fax: (08) 9295 2455.
Transport: Great Eastern Highway and Kalamunda Road to Kalamunda.
Opening hours: Sun 1200-1700.
Admission: Free.
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Further Distractions