Clackline
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Clackline is in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.
Understand
Clackline, previously called Clackline Junction, was historically significant as the site of an important railway junction, between the Eastern Railway line (Perth to Northam), and the Clackline-Miling branch line (to Toodyay and beyond). The railway lines were removed from the vicinity and rerouted in the 1960s, but the town survived. In 2011, it had a population of around 330 people. It has various historic sites and other attractions. Although Clackline is unlikely to be a destination in its own right for most travellers, it is a nice stopping point on the journey between Perth and Northam, or as part of a less direct trip between Perth and Toodyay.
Get in
Clackline is on Great Eastern Highway, and most easily accessible by car – 80 km (50 mi) east of Perth, and 17 km (11 mi) west of Northam. To reach it from Toodyay, travel south on Toodyay Road, then turn onto Toodyay–Clackline road and follow it through to Clackline.
Clackline is also a stopping point on the Kep Track (Mundaring Weir, Perth to Northam), which is suitable for bicycles.
Get around
The attractions near the townsite are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. Others are a short car ride away.
See
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Avro Anson Memorial
address: Arvo Anson Road, MokineCommemorates four Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airmen killed when their Avro Anson aircraft crashed near Clackline in 1942 – Flying Officer Lynton Birt, Sergeant Geoffrey Debenham, Sergeant Noel Nixon, and Sergeant Kenneth Hugo. Annual memorial services are held at the site, on the nearest weekend to 9 October (the anniversary of the accident). -
Clackline Bridge
address: Lockyer RoadA historic road bridge in Clackline that carried the Great Eastern Highway until 2008. It is the only bridge in Western Australia to have spanned both a waterway and railway, the Clackline Brook and the former Eastern Railway alignment. The mainly timber bridge, constructed 1934, has a unique curved and sloped design, due to the difficult topography and the route of the former railway. The Kep Track passes under the bridge. -
Clackline Refractory
address: Refractory RoadClackline Refractory is an abandoned, heritage listed brickworks site in Clackline, in a valley near Great Eastern Highway, west of the Clackline townsite. An abundant supply of fine quality clay was discovered in Clackline 1898, and by 1901, the industry was important to Western Australia, with the brick products from Clackline used by multiple government departments, various companies, and many goldmines. -
Lion monument
address: Corner of Lockyer Road and Spencers Brook RoadIn 1929, Clackline School's students and headteacher, E.W.Membery commemorated the 100th anniversary of British colonisation by building a monument on the school grounds. The monument features a sculpture of a lion, and is the only remaining evidence of Clackline School. It is on the Kep Track, adjacent to a picnic area and public toilets. -
Rail museum
address: Corner of Lockyer Road and Kimberley RoadA restored rail carriage, serving as a museum, is on Kimberley Road opposite the general store. The railway carriage is a venue for community events, such as farmers markets and weddings. A walking trail passing under the nearby Great eastern highway, connecting to the remains of the Clackline railway station.
Do
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phone: +61 418 912 795, +61 8 9561 8653address: Spencers Brook RoadPlay paintball across 100 acres of varying terrain. Bookings required (at least two weeks prior), and group size of at least 15 people.
Buy
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Clackline General Store and Post Office
phone: +61 8 9574 1405address: corner of Lockyer Road and Kimberley RoadSmall store, but the only shop in town. Has the usual general store items:hot food, fresh coffee, cold drinks, ice creams, a full takeaway menu and newspapers. The shop was built in 1895, and has a warm welcoming feeling with the lovely smells of home cooked food! You can sit and have a cappuccino whilst looking over the historical train carriage just opposite
Eat and drink
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phone: +61 8 9574 1276, +61 400 832 933address: 245 Benrua RdCafe, wine tasting, gourmet condiments and local produce can be purchased, barbecue facilities available.
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phone: +61 8 9574 0410address: 362 Leeder Road
Sleep
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phone: +61 8 9574 1276, +61 400 832 933address: 245 Benrua Rd
Go next
- Continue along Great Eastern Highway: east to Northam, or west to Bakers Hill, Wundowie, and Wooroloo
- North along Clackline–Toodyay Road to Toodyay (alternative to taking Toodyay Road from Perth)
- South-east along Spencers Brook Road to Spencers Brook and York