WAFarming
Northam
An Avon Valley farming centre that became a transport hub.
1836Townsite gazetted
WHAT STARTED IT
Northam developed as a town serving the Avon Valley’s farming district. Its inland location connected agricultural settlement with the growing Swan River colony and later with routes farther east.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The townsite was gazetted in 1836. Railways and roads added a transport function to the agricultural service centre, strengthening its place on the route between Perth and inland Western Australia.
TURNING POINTS
1836The Northam townsite is gazetted.
1886The railway reaches Northam, beginning major transport-led growth.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A regional town and transport centre for the Avon Valley and Wheatbelt. Agricultural services and important eastward road and rail links continue the roles that sustained its growth.