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| City Guide - Perth - Further Distractions | ||
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Further Distractions Mundaring Weir For those exploring Perth by car, this destination in the Perth Hills is both a fascinating piece of engineering history and a picturesque picnic opportunity. The weir and its pumping station were constructed in the 1890s to supply water to the Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie goldfields 563km (350 miles) to the east and succeeded against all expectations. While not quite the Hoover Dam, the weir and its bushland surrounds today are an impressive sight and the weir wall can be crossed on foot. A museum housed in the original pumping station honours CY O'Connor, the visionary engineer who designed the scheme but killed himself prior to its completion. The museum reopens following renovations in 2001. Nearby are an arts and crafts shop, the Lavender Patch tearooms, an outdoor summer cinema and the Mundaring Weir Hotel, a delightfully rustic country pub as old as the weir itself. CY O'Connor Museum Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring Tel: (08) 92 95 24 55. Transport: Great Eastern Highway and Kalamunda Road to Kalamunda. Opening hours: Mon and Wed-Fri 1030-1500, Sun 1200-1700. Admission: A$1.10. |
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