Newdegate

Stay a while in the town of Newdegate which lies at the centre of the shire. Newdegate was settled in 1922 and the railway line was extended from Lake Grace in 1926. By 1928, Newdegate had four general stores, a hotel, baker, saddler, two garages, fruit shop and a town hall. Today the town, though smaller, is a self-sufficient farming community which hosts one of the State's major agricultural events - Newdegate Machinery Field Days.

The Field Days are held on the first Wednesday and Thursday of September each year, with over 300 exhibitors and between 9,000 and 11,000 visitors annually.  Machinery, technology and research, animals and livestock, outdoor and camping exhibits, arts, fashion, show-bags, food and wine, local produce, live entertainment and much more form the basis of the two day event, which promotes and celebrates innovation in agriculture. From the first Field Days in 1973, this event has grown to be one of the most recognised on the Western Australian agricultural calendar. 

Catch up with tourism information at the Pioneer Park gazebo in the town centre, or relax in the park gardens with barbeques for public use.

While you're in the area, come into the Newdegate Community Resource Centre to check your email.

The Hainsworth Building, which houses the Newdegate Pioneer Museum, was originally built as a general store and dining room in 1931/2. The heritage listed building also functioned as a boarding house for railway workers and travellers. Come in to the museum and see a fine collection of photographs, historical objects and musical instruments from times of early settlement. Wander outside to see examples of early agricultural machinery.

Head out to Dragons Rocks Reserve for a wonderful experience of the flora and fauna unique to this area.