The Best Things to do in York: Western Australia's Oldest Inland Town

York is Western Australia's oldest inland town, is a place where time seems to stand still. Just over an hour's drive east of Perth in the WA Wheatbelt, York is renowned for its rich heritage with a touch of whimsy, making it a fascinating destination for a day trip from Perth.

You’ll find some of WA’s oldest colonial buildings here, as well as jaw-droppingly vivid yellow canola fields, stunning natural beauty and maybe even a ghost or two… 

Here are the best things to do in York; pull out your Google Maps and start starring these on the map!

Wildflower Season

Floral lovers. Wildflower enthusiasts. A visit to York wouldn't be complete without experiencing these stunning displays. Well known for blooming beautiful wildflowers from July until mid-October (with flowering times varying each season), York experiences an extra level of sparkle during this vibrant time. 

Grab a camera (and your bestie or beau) and spend the day traipsing around the countryside in sweet pursuit of these stay-a-while petals. 

Sitchu Tip: During wildflower season, or if you want to pre-plan, the best place for information is the York Visitors Centre located in the Town Hall.

Wander down Avon Terrace 

York’s main street, Avon Terrace, is the heart of the town. Lined with historic colonial buildings, this charming street invites you to step back in time and be immersed in the stories of a bygone era. Stop by quaint boutiques and trinket shops, sip a coffee in the charming artisanal cafes and peruse local galleries, each with their own unique charm. Sergeants Pharmacy, the St Patrick’s Parish Catholic Church and York Courthouse and Gaol are some of the oldest and most fascinating.

Settle in for a breakfast at Gather

Tucked away inside the Old York Mill, Gather is a sweet cafe owned and operated by Amber and Fiona. These two local women love good food, cooking and catering for friends and family, and it shows. They focus on fresh and local produce from the Wheatbelt region and surrounding WA. From paddock to plate never looked so good!

They even offer catering packages, grazing platters and picnic hampers, all available by order. 

Find out more here

10 Henrietta Street, York

Step into the Town Hall

The York Town Hall is more than a beautiful, historical building, it’s the gateway to getting the most out of your visit to York. The York Visitors Centre is located to the left as you enter, and they can help you out with everything you need to know about all the things to do in York, to ensure you don’t miss any of the local hotspots or must-do experiences. 

Visit the York canola fields 

Just a short drive from the town centre, the expansive canola fields paint the landscape in a sea of brilliant yellow, creating a breathtaking view that stretches as far as the eye can see. The canola fields are one of York’s most famous attractions, and make for some incredible photos. Just be aware that all of York’s canola fields are private property (so you can’t touch or walk through the fields) except for the PetTeet Park in Gilgering, which features a crop especially for tourists!  

Explore York’s spooky backstory 

You can’t have some of the oldest buildings in WA without a ghost or two lingering in the walls, right? The Old York Hospital is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in WA, crawling with reports of paranormal occurrences. Other eerie buildings include The Castle Hotel on Avon Terrace, Settlers Hotel, the Court House Museum, Faversham House and the York Town Hall. You can do a self-guided ‘ghost drive’ which begins at the York Town Hall, but prepare to be freaked out. 

Watch the sunset from Mount Brown Lookout

The Mount Brown Lookout (also known as Wongborel) offers visitors a beautiful panoramic 360-degree vista of York and its surrounds, and happens to be the perfect spot to catch a stunning Wheatbelt sunset. Pack a picnic or fire up the barbecue and soak in the serenity and views. You can get there by foot, or a short car trip via Panoramic Drive. 

Hit the Avon Walk Trail

Nature enthusiasts will adore the Avon Walk Trail, a picturesque route that follows the Avon River, with plenty of bird and wildlife spotting opportunities. The walk begins at the historic swinging suspension bridge and features incredible views towards Mount Bakewell.

Grab lunch at the Imperial Homestead

Built in 1886 to service travellers during the Gold Rush, The Imperial Homestead stands as a historic icon of a bygone era. Settle into the cosy dining area or opt for a table on the shaded veranda, where you can bask in the gentle sunlight and soak in the atmosphere of this quaint country town. You’ll find pub classics and modern Australian dishes on the menu and plenty of historic memorabilia and treasured heritage pieces to explore. 

83 Avon Terrace York

Botanicalia & Gallery 152

For Australiana and artisan made gifts sourced from around Australia, or simply to enjoy great coffee in a relaxed environment, you need to add a visit to Botanicalia to your list of things to do in York. Not only that, attached to this charming shop meets cafe is Gallery 152. This contemporary art gallery exhibits artists from around Australia - and even plays host to workshop programs. See their website for details.

152 Avon Terrace, York

Stay at Jam Tree Hill

You'll find solace and sanctuary at Jam Tree Hill, a sustainably built and completely off the grid property located on the western outskirts of York, WA. Right in the heart of farming land, it encompasses 100 acres of open paddocks, bushland, creek lanes - and offers vast views of the stunning Avon Valley region. 

Jam Tree Hill can accommodate up to 4 people who want to escape to the wheatbelt and switch off from their lives and focus on enjoying the beautiful landscape. One of the best things to do in York. 

346 Mokine Road, Daliak 

York Olive Oil Co. 

For a taste of the Mediterranean in York, head to York Olive Oil Co. Arnaud, Jenny, or Matt will happily chat all things olives and olive oil with you! Alongside their own products, they stock gourmet goodies, olive oil cosmetics, and even serve up irresistible ice cream. Made in small batches, flavours range from salted caramel to mango and pistachio. Grab a 150ml cup and enjoy one of the most delicious treats in York, Western Australia. 

254 Ashworth Road, York, Western Australia

GreenHills Inn

Established in 1906, Green Hills Inn is a historic pub just 15 minutes from York in Greenshills-Condah. Known as the "pub in the paddock," it was built by one of WA's first female publicans, Mary Ann McMullen, and later passed to her father, York's mayor. Current owners Rhonda and Murray offer a warm welcome, serving cold beers and hearty meals. A visit here is one of York's must-do experiences.  

444 Greenhills Road, Greenshills

With our things to do in York WA guide done and dusted, it's time to start venturing further afield. If you love exploring unique locations across this vast state, you'll also enjoying our travel guides to Broome and the Margaret River Region.