EXPLORE

Explore

Welcome to Katanning
The pulsating and vibrant heart
of the Great Southern!

EXPLORE

Although not large on natural features, Katanning is rich in heritage and unique places to enjoy. Stop and have a picnic and play at the big adventure playground, which features adult size play equipment, a junior section, as well as a miniature railway.

The CBD abounds in heritage buildings dating back to the turn of last century and still in use today. A statue of town founder Frederick Piesse was erected by the community adjacent to the old railway station. There’s plenty to see and do so it’s worth staying over for a few days to take it all in.

PLACES TO EXPLORE

KOBEELYA

Kobeelya Katanning
Video courtesy Greg & Peta Smith’s “You Tube” channel

The stately home built by Katanning’s founding father, Frederick Piesse, as his family home in 1902. It is reputed to be the first home in country WA connected to electric power and to have hot and cold running water.
It was used for many years as a girls school and is now the home of Katanning’s Baptist community.
To read more: CLICK HERE
To book a tour: CLICK HERE

THE OLD FLOUR MILL

EXPLORE
Video courtesy Shire of Katanning

The mill was built in 1891 by Frederick and Charles Piesse to service the newly developing wheat farming industry. It has endured many ups and downs during those years but has now received a new lease of life as a boutique hotel and cafe.
To read more: CLICK HERE

Collect a complete
HERITAGE WALK TRAIL
flyer from Katanning Tourism on the old railway station at

69 Austral Terrace.

ESCORTED HERITAGE WALK TOUR
To book a tour: CLICK HERE

KATANNING TOWN HALL

The Katanning Town Hall today

Incorporating the old Mechanic’s Institute, the town hall was opened in 1907. It was to later include the Road Board offices and has been used for live theatre, movies, dances, royal visits, and pop super stars including Aussie super band AC/DC.
To read more: CLICK HERE

Explore Katanning

The original Agricultural Hall

KATANNING AQUATIC CENTRE

The pool was opened in 1938 and was quite a significant undertaking at the time. It was considered comparable to some of the best in Australia as well as Europe. In 1971 the centre saw the addition of an Olympic size pool. In 2012 the complex received a major upgrade making it a true aquatic centre.
To read more: CLICK HERE

SPORTING & LEISURE CENTRE

Officially opened in 1997, the indoor stadium is one of the largest in rural Australia. It was built wholly as a community project and includes six basketball courts, gymnasium, and creche. The complex also includes a football oval, equestrian competition centre and soccer/hockey fields.
To read more: CLICK HERE

RAILWAY CAIRN

Possibly the single most important point in the history of Katanning. This cairn makes the spot where the two ends of the Great Southern Railway met in 1889.
This joining of the railway is what kept the Piesse brothers in what is now Katanning which, in turn, saw the development of the town.
The cairn was erected by the Katanning Historical Society in 1939 to celebrate 50 years since the completion of the line.

RAILWAY STATION

The building, built c1907,
is now the home of
Katanning Tourism,
Lost Katanning,
Katanning Tours,
The Pioneer Way,
& Lost Nyabing

The first railway station was built on the opening of the Great Southern Railway in 1889.

It was an important hub on the GSR with branch lines to Pingrup and to Bunbury via Kojonup and Donnybrook.

It’s steam services ended in 1971 and passenger train services ended in 1987. The station continued to service the town right through until c1990.
To read more: CLICK HERE

LAKE EWLYAMARTUP

Located on Langaweira Road approximately 17 km from Katanning on the Katanning-Pingrup Road.

Water skiers, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, picnickers and birdwatchers alike will enjoy a visit to this 100 ha recreation lake.
The lake has water for most of the year and is home to 95 species of birds.
Facilities include picnic tables, seating and shelters, barbecues, and access friendly toilets.

It’s available for 24 hour self contained R.V.’s, however there are no bins so please take your rubbish with you. Please don’t empty your sullage into the lake.
To read more: CLICK HERE

ALL AGES
ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

Video courtesy Shire of Katanning

This iconic super playground has been completely refurbished and includes areas for adults and children to tiny tots. It is designed to create as much fun as possible. The playground has free covered BBQ areas making it the ideal stopover for your journey…
And it’s FREE!

STREET ART

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Video courtesy Shire of Katanning

Although it has no painted silos, Katanning forms part of WA’s “Silo Art” trail. There is a large collection of street art throughout the town.
You can pick up a flyer showing where it all is from
Katanning Visitor’s Centre
located in the old Katanning Hotel,

in Austral Terrace.

MINIATURE RAILWAY

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This delightful miniature railway is situated adjacent to the All Ages Playground. Locomotives (steam in winter) run on a 7″ track providing great fun for the family. Runs 2nd & 4th Sunday each month
from 1pm to 4.30pm.

OLD WINERY RUINS

All that remains of the winery today

The remains of the Piesse family winery, which was constructed in 1904, was built to process wine from the Piesse family vineyards and its wines won awards around the world.
To read more: CLICK HERE

The operating winery c 1905
Wine maker Karl Bungert in horse and cart.

POLICE POOLS MEMORIAL

Police Pools Memorial

The Police Pools are a collection of pools (or billabong) situated in Twonkwillingup Nature Reserve. Because of its fresh water, which was available all year round, this became the site of the first police (Pensioner Guard) outpost in the mid 1860’s. The memorial recognises the site of the first police outpost in 1864.
To read more: CLICK HERE

Katanning Tourism

SHEEP SELLING COMPLEX

Video courtesy Shire of Katanning
Katanning Tourism

The largest undercover sheep selling complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
It was designed with animal welfare as the priority.
Watch thousands of sheep being unloaded, drafted, sold and reloaded EVERY Tuesday and Wednesday.
For more information: CLICK HERE

PUBLIC LIBRARY
& ART GALLERY

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The Katanning Library includes one of only three A class art galleries outside the metro area. This was another community driven project. The art gallery regularly hosts exhibitions from all round Australia.
Katanning Library: CLICK HERE
Katanning Art Gallery: CLICK HERE

Library and art gallery

FIRST GOVERNMENT SCHOOL

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Katanning’s first school classes were held in the former refreshment room at the railway station in 1890 under the supervision of Mary Bell.
Construction of the first government school building (pictured) commenced in 1894 and opened in September of that year. The first teacher was Ms Frances Williams, her class consisting of 15 boys and 18 girls. The building was later utilised as a kindergarten and also as a domestic science classroom.
In 1969 it was converted to a historical museum which it remains today.

INFORMATION

Call into the
KATANNING HISTORY AND
TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE
Old Railway Station at
69 Austral Terrace, Katanning
and collect flyers, with mud maps,
to find your away around.
Or the
KATANNING VISITOR CENTRE
in the old Katanning Hotel
Austral Terrace, Katanning

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Purchase SOUVENIRS on-line
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