Guide to Moora Western Australia Australia

Moora is a farming town on the Moore River, about 177 km north of Perth, and the largest town on the inland route between Perth and Geraldton, with around 1,600 people. It is the gateway to Wildflower Country, where the bush and road verges burst into colour from July to November.

This is Yued Noongar country. Moora is also an important breeding area for the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo, and a walk trail along the river and a giant cockatoo sculpture celebrate the birds. With good services, a riverside caravan park and RV stops, Moora is a handy base for the region.

Known For

• The gateway to Wildflower Country
• Carnaby’s black cockatoos
• A riverside caravan park among salmon gums

Things To Do in Moora

Wildflower drives

The Moora Wildflower Drive and Watheroo Wildflower Drive are best from August to November. Westways Wildflowers, a large farm east of town, runs self-drive 4WD wildflower tours in season. Brochures are available from the Moora community resource centre.

Candy’s Bush Reserve

Off Midlands Road, Candy’s Bush has informal walk trails through bushland with orchids and wildflowers.

Carnaby’s Cockatoo Walk Trail

A trail along the Moore River between the two bridges and Candy’s Bush tells the story of the cockatoos that breed around Moora. A giant sculpture of two Carnaby’s cockatoos has been built for Apex Park.

Town walk and murals

The Moora Town Walk passes the stained-glass town clock and heritage buildings, and murals around town include one in Federation Park with a life-size bronze draught horse and kelpie.

Moora Museum

The museum on Clinch Street can be viewed by phoning ahead.

Berkshire Valley

About 18 km east, the 1869 Berkshire Valley mill house stands on a private working farm, and can only be viewed from the road.

Events

The Moora Hay Bales Festival is held in March, the Moora Show in September and the Moora Cup race day in October.

Where To Stay

Moora Caravan and Chalet Park, run by the Shire, is set among salmon gums on the Moore River, about 400 m from the town centre, with powered sites, tent sites and self-contained chalets, free laundry, a camp kitchen and barbecues; dogs on a lead are allowed. Fully self-contained RVs can stay for up to 48 hours at the Padbury Street car park. Dump points are at the Roberts Street car park near the pool and behind the Moora Performing Arts Centre. Fuel is available in town, and the roads are sealed.

Nearby, Miling has low-cost caravan sites at its sports reserve, and the Watheroo Tavern, about 37 km north, has caravan sites.

Eat & Drink

The Moora Hotel, in a 1907 building, is the town pub, and The Drovers Inn has also served meals and has motel rooms, though it has been for sale. Cafes and a bakery are in the town centre; check opening hours.

History

Moora began as a station on the Midland Railway, which opened in 1894, and the townsite was gazetted in 1895. The town has flooded several times, most seriously in 1932 and in March 1999, when about 1,000 people were evacuated after heavy rain from a tropical cyclone.

Getting to Moora

Moora is about 177 km north of Perth, around two hours’ drive, and about 119 km south-east of Jurien Bay. New Norcia is about 50 km to the south-east.

The best time to visit is July to November, for wildflowers, with Carnaby’s cockatoos breeding in spring.