"THE LEYLAND SISTERS": CENTRAL GREENOUGH

GRAY'S STORE (1861)

TUESDAY 12.11.2013: Began the day on the Greenough Walkaway Heritage Trail with a visit just down the road to Gray's Store. Across the road was the Wesley Church - the foundation for this gothic style church was laid in 1867.

WESLEY CHURCH (1870)

Onward to the Central Greenough Historic Settlement. The Greenough Flats form the flood plain of the river system close to the mouth of the Greenough River.

ST CATHERINE'S CHURCH 1892
REPLACED BY TE PRESENT BUILDING IN 1913

The buildings and altered landscape provide an example of colonial expansion in the mid-nineteenth century - an expansion which dispossessed the indigenous population of its resource rich land. Central Greenough developed as the local administrative centre, housing the churches, schools, stores, government and law enforcement offices necessary to service the surrounding farms.

ST CATHERINE'S HALL 1898

During the 1880's Greenough became a thriving agricultural area but the threat of rust on the wheat crops combined with drought, flood and poor prices for agricultural products led to the areas decline.

CENTRAL GREENOUGH SCHOOL 1865

The population of Greenough Flats dropped dramatically in the first half of the twentieth century and many of its' buildings fell into disrepair. In the 1970's the National trust recognised the heritage value of Greenough. There are some 11 buildings at the settlement and many more scattered throughout the area. Had a great time at the settlement - morning tea at the Greenough Store, then hours wandering around the facility accompanied at every turn by alpacas. The fact that you are able to enter all bar two of the buildings, plus watch a documentary on the area all added to the experience and only a $7.00 entry fee. Had planned on stopping at The Hampton Arms (1863) for a refreshment, but alas it was closed!