Wundowie
Wundowie lies on the Great Eastern Highway (between El Caballo and Bakers Hill) and takes its name from nearby Woondowing Spring (which is an Aboriginal word thought to come from Ngwundow, meaning "to lie down").
Following the decision of the government to construct the blast furnace and wood distillation plant (to produce charcoal) in 1943 at Wundowie, plans were made to develop the townsite. Lots were surveyed in 1946, and the town was gazetted in 1947.
The design of the town was based on the concepts of the garden city movement of town planning. This is reflected in its street pattern, subdivision layout, location of land uses, open space and the civic core of the town. Construction of the town was by the Western Australian Department of Housing.
If you are in Wundowie, don’t miss the chance to snap some photos of the impressive Wundowie Foundry and experience the beautiful bushland walk trails.
For visitor facilities, Wundowie offers a swimming pool, an RV-friendly park and a skate park, making it an easy place to stop and enjoy.
Wundowie Swimming Pool
Wundowie RV-Friendly Park
Wundowie Skate Park
Interesting Facts
Planning for Wundowie began in the early 1940s, driven by investigations into establishing an iron and steel industry in Western Australia. This vision became reality on 15 April 1948 with the opening of the Wundowie Charcoal Iron and Steel Industry. While the mill closed in 1981, Wundowie’s industrial roots remain alive today, with Bradken continuing to operate from the original foundry site and maintaining the town’s strong manufacturing legacy.
Today, Wundowie is a charming township set amongst natural bushland, conveniently located between Perth and Northam. It makes for an easy and rewarding day trip, whether you’re enjoying a scenic drive through the Wheatbelt or visiting during the popular Wundowie Iron Festival.
In recognition of its historical significance, Wundowie was officially listed as a Heritage Town by the National Trust of Australia in 2011.
Town of Wundowie Given Heritage Status
The Wundowie Iron Festival is held annually and is proudly delivered by the Wundowie Progress Association to celebrate the town’s unique history and community spirit. Event details are typically released around September or October each year, so keep an eye on the Shire of Northam events calendar.
For more information, visit the Wundowie Progress Association website.
Worth the Stop
Wundowie is well worth the stop, offering a mix of history, recreation, public art and easy traveller facilities. It offers heritage landmarks and meaningful memorials to family-friendly spaces and striking large-scale artworks, Wundowie invites visitors to pause, explore and enjoy the heart of the community.
It has historical significance, being a central feature of the Wundowie complex, which has played a major role in the economy of the Northam region since the plant was commissioned in 1948.
This park features a skate park, playground, open oval, and free BBQ area with shaded seating.
The pool is a popular venue for VacSwim programs, birthday parties, and community events throughout the summer season.
Located on Banksia Avenue, the mosaic is a feature of the Wundowie ANZAC Memorial.
Offers a great camping experience with mostly level sites, toilets, and convenient amenities.
Named "Tanked," the project was completed in 2021, marking a significant moment of artistic achievement and community collaboration.
Updated 29.01.26