Pickering Brook: Bushland, Orchards and Museum

Pickering Brook brings together several distinct attractions: a museum in a relocated chapel, trails for walking and cycling, and, in the wider region, a historic packing shed with a farm outlet. Those who choose the area for a holiday can shape their days accordingly: exercise, bushland, culture or regional produce. When looking for holiday accommodation, it helps to first consider which of these experiences you want to define your stay.

Chapel and Museum

The Barton’s Mill Prison Chapel was relocated to Pickering Brook in 2008; today, the building houses a museum. The relocation brings the building’s history to life: its former function as a chapel meets its present-day use as a museum. For travellers who like to combine cultural interests with nature experiences, this offers a different focus from a route through the landscape. The year refers to the building’s relocation; the museum describes its current role.

Two Different Trails

The Railway Heritage Trail runs from Gooseberry Hill to Pickering Brook and is suitable for walking and cycling. This makes it an option for visitors who want to experience a route on foot or by bike. The two trails differ considerably in their focus: the Railway Heritage Trail is defined by its endpoints and the choice between walking and cycling; the Carmel Walk, by contrast, is characterised by its circular route, moderate grading and the landscape it passes through. This comparison can help you plan your day around either your preferred way of getting around or a particular type of trail.

From Bushland to Orchards

The Carmel Walk is a moderately graded loop through the natural bushland of Korung National Park, within the Pickering Brook settlement. The changing landscape is especially apparent in the second section: there, you may see farmland and Pickering Brook’s impressive orchards. This brings bushland and agricultural scenery together on a single route. If you’re choosing a walking trail, these views give you two clear points of reference: the national park’s natural surroundings and the outlook over farmland and orchards.

A Regional Taste

In the wider region, in the Perth Hills and Pickering Brook area, visitors can walk through La Fattoria’s 70-year-old packing shed and buy fruit at the farm outlet. Cellar-door arrangements may change, so check which arrangements are currently in place before your visit. Regional produce and the cultural character of the area may be as important in choosing holiday accommodation as the walking experiences. Decide what to prioritise based on whether your trip will be shaped mainly by activity, scenery, culture or regional produce.

Discover more destinations: Trigg, King River, Chidlow, Leeming, Preston Beach, Rocky Gully, Tom Price, Osborne Park

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