Wandering

A small, rural town some 120 kilometres south-east of Perth, and 26 kilometres from North Bannister. Wandering seems to have the distinction or recording statewide record low temperatures during winter. The town gets it name from nearby Wandering Brook which is derived from the Aboriginal word "Wandooin" meaning a local tree. Mr George Watts discovered the local spring in 1859. Settlers moved into the area by 1860. The town was gazetted in 1912

Wandering - Welcome Sign

The welcome sign on approach to the townsite from the north. You can see part of the townsite in the distance. There is canola growing in the paddocks. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND001

Wandering - Welcome Sign

The new Welcome Sign. The old one in the above picture appears to have fallen down or been taken away. April 2019. Photos Ref: WAND002

Wandering - Watts Street

This is the main street of town, Watts Street. This road is not a highway but is just the main road from North Bannister to Pingelly hence no endless streams of traffic hurrying through. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND003

Wandering - Demographics and History

This sign thoughtfully prepared and placed provides a concise history of the town and also its location on the planet. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND004

Wandering - Primary School

On the north side of town on Watts Street is the local primary school and it looks really resplendent. This school was constructed in 1924 and is still operating as such. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND005

Wandering - Primary School

A close-up of part of the school showing the doorway into the classroom. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND006

Wandering - Old School Site

On the south side of town, this is the old school site. The plaque on the stone reads: "Old Wandering School Site 1870 - 1924. Erected to Commemorate Former Teachers and Students. Unveiled by Mrs Ken Cornish (nee Dowsett), Former Student, 8th April 1990. Erected by the Shire of Wandering". October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND007

Wandering - Community Centre

The Community Centre was built in 1987. The Centre is set off the main road, behind the Agricultural Hall etc. April 2019. Photos Ref: WAND008

Wandering - Agricultural Hall

The very smart looking Wandering Agricultural Hall dates way back to 1896. Mr Robert Turton cut the timber, made the bricks and constructed the building. The hall was opened on March 9th, 1896 by Mr George Watts. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND009

Wandering - War Memorial

The war memorial near the Agricultural Hall. For such a small community, so many men and women went away to serve their country. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND010

Wandering - Pioneer Statue

A statue also near the Agricultural Hall. This is no doubt to commemorate and honour the pioneer farmers and their tireless horses who worked together to open up this district in the middle-late 1800's. The statue is the creation of Len Zuks. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND011

Wandering - Shire Office

Modern Shire Offices on Watts Street built in 1966. It also contains a library and provides postal services. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND012

Wandering - House on Main Street

This handsome house sits on Watts Street south from the Shire Offices. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND013

Wandering - Old Shop on Main Street

This building is disused at present and seems to have been for quite some years. I think that this may once have been the town's general store? There is no retail store in town now. April 2019. Photos Ref: WAND014

Wandering - Hauling Timber

A very clever pair of little horses haul the cart laden with logs. Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make this, and it looks great. April 2019. Photos Ref: WAND015

Wandering - Anglican Church

The Anglican Church of St Martin set on the south side of town. The Foundation Stone reads "To The Glory of God. This Stone Was Laid By Mrs Francis Watts, on the 11th Aug. 1929". April 2019. Photos Ref: WAND016

Wandering - Road Board Building

Here is Wandering's Road Board Office sitting intact inside what I assume to be a council compound. This was built in 1928. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND017

Wandering - Tavern

At the southern end of town, is the Wandering Tavern. This was formerly known as the Wandering Hotel. October 2011. Photos Ref: WAND018

Wandering - Weather Station

The local weather station sits alongside the highway in the north end of town. That little white box is famous for recording many low temperatures. April 2019. Photos Ref: WAND019

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