York is located midway between Northam and Beverley in the Avon Valley Region of Western Australia and has gained the reputation of being WA's "festival town". The settlement was named after the city of York in England and was the first hamlet in the Avon Valley area.

Museums

The York Motor Museum is home to over 200 classic vintage cars and motorcycles as well as horsedrawn vehicles. Established in 1979 the museum invites visitors to experience the nostalgia of these beautifully restored vehicles and to take a ride in a Charabanc.

The Residency Museum was constructed in the 1840s primarily as a residence for the local Magistrate. Visitors can today view the items and artefacts relating to the early colonial development of the town and the surrounding area. Closed on Mondays and Fridays.

York Railway Display is one of the few two storey railway stations remaining in all of Australia and dates to 1886. Today it houses a historic display pertaining to the history of the railway in York and is open on weekends.

Sandalwood Press is the only working printing Museum in Western Australia and exhibits a range of antique printing equipment. Guided tours of the premises are available during opening hours on weekdays. Closed weekends.

"The Needle and I" is an aptly named display of old world costumes and is located on the corner of Georgiana and Macartney streets in York.

Balladong Farm was the first inland farm in the State having been founded in 1831. Visitors are invited to wander through the restored farm buildings and view the animals and old farm machinery. A number of exhibitions by blacksmiths and spinners can be seen on the farm premises as well as the usual seasonal farm activities. The Farm is open every day except Friday.

Historic Sites

There are a number of interesting sites and historic buildings located throughout the township for visitors to enjoy. The courthouse and Gaol was constructed from local stone and opened by Sir John Forrest in 1831. Today the building has been restored by the National Trust.

The state's first paper was housed in the Settlers Cottage in York. The Eastern Districts Chronicle had it's home here since 1877, with the cottage itself having been built during the 1850s.

The old hospital was built in 1896 from local materials and today houses the Youth Hostel. York Town Hall was built in 1911 and at the time had the largest floor space of any Town Hall in Western Australia. National Trust restoration has returned the Hall to it's former splendour.

The Holy Trinity Church was established in 1854 and consecrated 4 years later. Highlights of the building include a rare Albert Piesse pipe organ with eight bells and a highly decorative interview and High Alter.

The Church of St Patrick was completed in 1886 replacing the original Catholic church which had been built by 1860, today acting as the church hall.

The site of the first church and graveyard of the pioneer community in York is marked by a wooden cross. The original church of St John the Evangelist was consecrated in 1848 and a number of graves with marked headstones can be seen at the site on the corner of Avon terrace and Balladong street.

The York Suspension Bridge was built in 1906 to provide an attractive foot crossing across the scenic Avon River.

Natural Attractions

Avon Park is located along the banks of the meandering Avon River and is an ideal walking and picnic area for visitors to the town. Playground facilities are available to occupy the kids.

Superb views of the town and surrounding landscape can be had from Mt Brown Lookout, 342 metres above sea level.

The Avon Ascent-Gwanbygine Park is an area of bushland setting by the banks of the Avon River. A variety of bushwalks can be enjoyed here and the Park is an ideal setting for a picnic.

Other Attractions

De Ladera Alpaca Stud Farm allows visitors to view the docile alpacas while enjoying the amazing views of the Avon Valley.

Salek Minc gallery is located in the Church of St Paul originally the church serving the Burges family estate in 1835. The church is now called Tipperary Church, in memory of the Burges estate and houses a fine collection of art which can be viewed every Sunday from May to October.

York Public Archery Park is set in a bushland environment and allows visitors to try their hand with a bow and arrow by the banks of the Avon River.

Mini golf is located near the Swing bridge and can be enjoyed by all age groups.

A range of shows, fairs and rallies take place during the year in York and include the Jazz Festival, MG Car Club Rally, York Hunt, Antique Collectors Fair and Agricultural Show.

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