Woodanilling

Woodanilling is a small, historic town located between Wagin and Katanning and is set about one kilometre east of the Great Southern Highway. It is 253 kilometres south-east of Perth. The York - Albany railway passes through town. When the railway came through here in 1889, a siding was established. This was first called Round Pool. It was later changed to Yarabin and then finally to Woodanilling in 1896. The name Woodanilling is of Aboriginal origin

Woodanilling - Town Sign

The Woodanilling sign at the head of the town access road. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG001

Woodanilling - Tavern

The Woodanilling Hotel was built in 1908. Another hotel preceded this one. It was a single storey structure, built in 1900, located next door to the current tavern. It is recorded as looking more like a house than an hotel. It was demolished in the 1960's. The site of the first hotel is now the current tavern's beer garden. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG002

Woodanilling - Richardson Store

Richardson's Store is a prominent landmark in town probably due to its meticulous upkeep. Richardson & Co. was established in 1880 but Bob Richardson did not cause his Woodanilling store to be built until 1905. The store continued as a mixed business up until the 1970's. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG003

Woodanilling - CWA Rooms

The bright CWA Rooms. This building was erected in in 1958. It was extended in 1967. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG004

Woodanilling - Shire Office

This is the Shire of Woodanilling Administration Office and Library. This complex was opened in 1976. An earlier 1922 structure preceded this one. The original Foundation Stone is affixed to the new building. It was laid by H. P. Colebatch, Acting Premier, on April 8th, 1922. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG005

Woodanilling - Store

This is the Woodanilling Co-Operative. It commenced business in 1918 and continues to trade to this day. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG006

Woodanilling - Baptist Church

The Baptist Church. This was erected as a Presbyterian Church in 1908. The final service was conducted in the church in August 1997. The Foundation Stone was laid by H. O. Beeck on February 12th, 1908. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG007

Woodanilling - School

The local primary school is light and bright and still very much in use. The school was constructed in 1951. The previous school burnt down in 1949. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG008

Woodanilling - Railway Station

The railway station. Much larger buildings preceded this one and once upon a time there was a goods shed. This is on the Great Southern Railway, Wagin to Katanning section. Quite a few grain trains use this line as evidenced by the gleaming rails. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG009

Woodanilling - Railway Station

At one time, this station would have been an important stopping point for trains, including passenger services, Perth - Albany. Apart from grain transport, the rail network in the state is not widely used now and much of it is in poor repair. It was the building of railways that opened up much of the south of the state and they should be regarding as an integral part of our heritage. The demise of the railways could be attributed to the down-sizing of so many country towns in Western Australia. April 2015. Photos Ref: WDNG010

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