Shire of West Arthur   We're on the way to everywhere!     Why not drop in..? The Shire of West Arthur, located in the far south west of the Wheatbelt Region of Western Australia, has an area of 2,850 square kilometres and encompasses the townsites of Darkan, Duranillin and Arthur River.  The estimated resident population of the Shire as at 30 June 2002 was 918.  Local industries include wool, sheep, timber, grain, forestry, beef, cattle hide tanning, engineering and earthmoving plus developing cottage industries. The Shire borders stretch from the Albany Highway in the east to the forestry & mining areas in the west.  Darkan is the major town in the shire.  It is situated on the Coalfields Highway, 204 kilometres from Perth.  It is 60 kilometres from Collie and Wagin, 74 kilometres from Narrogin and 115 kilometres from Bunbury. Whilst the Shire and its supporting industries is predominantly agriculture, (rich, stable farmland with pockets of exciting diversification ) its idyllic landscape, vibrant communities and natural landmarks have much to offer both locals and visitors. In short, a top place to visit, and a GREAT place to live!! And, you may ask, what's so good about it..? What's the winning combination? Start off with a little bit of physical activity.      It's not just anywhere you can jump from a perfectly good plane..   Or water ski at well known Lake Towerrinning, south of Duranillin.. Or hang out and and perfect those bike/skateboard/tramp/play/basketball maneuvers at the Darkan Skate Park.     Throughout the shire, you will find facilities for a wide variety of sporting and recreation options.  Tennis, golf, lawn bowls, basketball, football, keep fit classes and darts to name a few. Add a little bit of history.... Arthur River, on the Albany Highway, was one of the first settlements in the shire and, being almost halfway between Perth & Albany, developed into an important township.  There was a police barracks & goal, post office, blacksmith, doctor and trading post.  St Pauls Church (below left) was built in 1855 and Mount Pleasant Inn (below centre) in 1869.          Six Mile Cottage (above right) is a two room cottage, six miles from Darkan, built in the early 1900's.  Mr Bert Bingham lived in the cottage and each weekend Mrs Bingham & her family of four travelled from Boddington by horse and cart to spend the weekend.  School holidays saw the family of six living here full time.  (Puts a whole new slant on family togetherness.) Stir in a dose of the locals... There's also the talented local divas "Mad About Ewe" to consider when taking into account all the great things about living here, in this surprise pocket of the south west.  Aside from the traditional (and not so traditional) farming that is carried out, West Arthur has a wealth of first class industries supporting our area; sheep studs, goat breeders, horse breeders, wineries, olive growers, transport businesses, tourism, accommodation, engineering, manufacturing, female barbershop quartets and list goes on. This page has been put together by the West Arthur Telecentre as a community service.  We welcome your ideas, suggestions & feedback. Click here to contact us.