Damon Mcknight
Northampton is a historic town in Western Australia, located about 460 kilometres (290 mi) north of the state capital, Perth. It is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, formally declared a townsite in 1864, and is known for its rich Indigenous and settler history, natural beauty, and well-preserved heritage buildings. The town is situated in the Mid West region, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Geraldton, and serves as the gateway to the town of Kalbarri and the hamlets of Horrocks and Port Gregory. Northampton offers a range of dining and accommodation options and is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas, including the Pink Lake and the Indian Ocean beaches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | About 50 kilometres (30 mi) north of Geraldton and about 460 kilometres (290 mi) north of Perth |
| Government | Shire of Northampton |
| Population | 3,204 (Usual Residents) or 4,085 (Place of Enumeration) as of the 2006 census |
| History | One of Western Australia's oldest towns, established outside of Perth in 1864 |
| Economy | Historically, mining and agriculture; now tourism and dining |
| Attractions | Historic buildings, wildflowers, nearby beaches and natural landmarks |
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What You'll Learn
Northampton's Indigenous and settler history
Northampton is a town in the Mid West region of Western Australia, located on the Gascoyne River, about 580 kilometres north of Perth, the state capital. The town is the seat of the Shire of Northampton and a key service centre for the surrounding area. Northampton has a rich history, with the area originally inhabited by the Nanda people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years. The Nanda people are the traditional custodians of the land and have a deep spiritual connection to the country.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-19th century, with the arrival of settlers attracted by the fertile land and abundant water supply. In 1864, the town was gazetted and named after John Henry Northampton, the Superintendent of Works for the Geraldine Lead Mine. The town soon became a thriving agricultural centre, with wheat and sheep farming being the primary industries. The town also became a important transport hub, with the construction of a bridge over the Gascoyne River in 1896, which provided a vital link for the passage of goods and people.
However, the early years of settlement were not without difficulty. The Nanda people faced dispossession and marginalisation as their land was taken over by settlers. This led to significant cultural and social upheaval, with the Nanda people suffering great hardship. Despite this, the Nanda people have survived and continue to maintain a strong connection to their country, with many still living in and around Northampton today. Their culture and heritage are celebrated and preserved through various initiatives, including the Nanda Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which was established in the early 1990s.
The town has a number of historic buildings and sites that reflect its settler history. One of the most notable is the Old Court House, which was built in 1873 and is now a museum. The Northampton Cemetery is also a significant site, with graves dating back to the early days of the town. The town has also been home to a number of prominent figures, including Sir David Brand, who was the Premier of Western Australia from 1959 to 1971 and grew up in Northampton.
In recent years, Northampton has faced various challenges, including declining industry and population. However, the town remains a vibrant and close-knit community, with a strong sense of pride in its history and heritage. The town is also a popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted by its historic charm, scenic location, and nearby attractions, including the Kalbarri National Park and the Ningaloo Reef.
Overall, Northampton's Indigenous and settler history is a complex and fascinating story of cultural exchange, conflict, and resilience. The town has a bright future, with a growing recognition of the importance of celebrating and preserving the diverse cultural heritage that makes Northampton unique.
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The town's classification as 'historic'
Northampton, Western Australia, is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, having been declared a townsite in 1864. It was originally called The Mines, but was renamed after the colony's Governor, John Hampton. The town was built in the Nokanena Brook valley, between the two major copper mines in the area, Wanerenooka and Gwalla. Northampton is known for its many wildflowers and its rich agricultural lands. It is also famous for its historic buildings, some of which are believed to have been built by convicts.
The town was classified as a "historic town" by the National Trust of Australia (WA) in 1993, in recognition of the important heritage buildings that have been conserved and are still in use. Notable among them are two buildings by the eminent priest architect Mgr Hawes: the Church of Our Lady in Ara Coeli, built in 1936, and the Convent of the Sacred Heart, built in 1919. Both buildings are on the Permanent Register of the State Heritage Register of Western Australia. The town also contains Chiverton House, which today is the town's museum, housing a range of interesting historic items, old farm machinery, vintage cars, and other memorabilia.
The area surrounding Northampton has a long history of human habitation. Cave paintings at the Bowes River show that the region has been inhabited by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. The area was first settled by Europeans in the late 1840s, and mining for lead and copper began in the 1850s, making it the oldest mining area in the state. Northampton was also the site of the first Western Australian government railway, constructed from Geraldton to Northampton in 1879.
In addition to its historic buildings and mining heritage, Northampton was once the closest town to the Principality of Hutt River, a self-declared micronation that existed from 1970 until its dissolution in 2020. The shire of Northampton includes the former Principality, which is now recognised as a quirky tourist attraction.
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The Shire of Northampton
Northampton is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, having been declared a townsite in 1864. The Shire of Northampton is a local government area in the Mid West region of Western Australia, about 50 kilometres (30 mi) north of Geraldton and about 460 kilometres (290 mi) north of the state capital, Perth. The Shire covers a vast area of 13,738 square kilometres (5,304 sq mi), and its seat of government is the town of Northampton, with the largest settlement being Kalbarri.
The first Western Australian government railway was constructed from Geraldton to Northampton, a distance of 53.6 kilometres (33.31 mi), and opened on 26 July 1879. An extension from Northampton to Ajana of 53.2 kilometres (33.06 mi) was opened on 13 March 1913. The line closed on 29 April 1957. Northampton was classified as a "historic town" by the National Trust of Australia (WA) in 1993 in recognition of the important heritage buildings that have been conserved and are still in use. As of 2023, 223 places are heritage-listed in the Shire of Northampton, including the Lynton Convict Hiring Depot and two buildings by the priest architect Mgr Hawes.
The Church of Our Lady in Ara Coeli, built around 1936, is the most notable of Hawes' designs. It is a romantic Neo Gothic, hammer-dressed sandstone building with some Arts and Crafts elements. Next to the church is the Convent of the Sacred Heart, also by Hawes, built in 1919 in a more conventional two-storied Australian style with deep sun-shading wooden verandahs. The Shire includes the former Principality of Hutt River, a now-dissolved micronation that was never recognised by state or federal governments.
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The town's mining industry
Northampton is located on Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement area 59 km north of Geraldton in Western Australia. The town has a rich history of mining, dating back to the 1800s.
Mining for copper and lead began in the Northampton area in the 1860s and continued through to the 1890s. The Geraldine Mine, located in Ajana, Northampton Shire, used convict labour from the Lynton Convict Depot. Ore was exported through Port Gregory, and mining ceased in 1878, only to resume again in 1917 when lead prices rose. The mine changed hands several times over the years, with small amounts of work being carried out, and a processing plant being constructed.
Historical lead and copper mining adjacent to the town site of Northampton continued from 1872 onwards. Copper deposits were discovered at Wanerenooka, near present-day Northampton, in 1842, marking the origins of commercial copper mining in Western Australia. In the late 1890s and early 1900s, small finds were made in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
The Abandoned Mines Program is working to reduce the risks associated with historic mining in the area. The Northampton Lead Tailings Project aims to provide permanent rehabilitation treatment to enhance the potential future use of the site through rehabilitation, while also considering heritage values.
The mining industry in Western Australia has developed into a world-scale industry, with the state's mineral and petroleum industry valued at $174 billion in 2019-20, accounting for 94% of the state's income from merchandise exports. Iron ore, petroleum, gold, alumina, nickel, and base metals are among the most important commodities in the state's mining industry.
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Tourist attractions and accommodation
Northampton, Western Australia is one of the state's oldest towns, rich in Indigenous and settler history, as well as natural beauty. The town is located 40 minutes north of Geraldton by car and is a five-hour drive from Perth.
Tourist Attractions
Northampton offers a step back in time to the convict and pioneering era. The area was originally home to Indigenous peoples, and you can find their ancient rock art on the outcrops at Bowes River Road. European settlement began in 1848, and today, this heritage is celebrated at the Railway Precinct, where you'll discover the remnants of Western Australia's first government railway line, including station buildings, equipment, and rolling stock.
The town is also known for its natural beauty, including wildflowers that carpet the Wheatbelt countryside in spring. You can experience a wonderful array of colourful wildflowers, including everlastings, kangaroo paw, and flowering gums. The nearby Port Gregory is also a popular attraction, known for its spectacular Pink Lake and beautiful sandy beaches with views of the Indian Ocean.
For accommodation, Northampton offers a range of options, including bed and breakfasts, farm stays, hotels, motels, caravan parks, and backpacker accommodation.
Accommodation Options
Those seeking accommodation in Northampton can consider the following:
- Airbnb: Northampton has a variety of Airbnb listings, including beachfront apartments, cosy cottages, and private rooms in local homes. These options often provide a more personalised experience, with hosts known for their hospitality and attention to detail.
- Horrocks Beach Caravan Park: Located just a minute away from the beach, this caravan park offers beachfront properties with balconies, free private parking, and free Wi-Fi. It is a great option for those who want to explore the town and its nearby attractions while having easy access to the beach.
- Hotels: Northampton has several hotels that provide comfortable stays, dining options, and convenient locations. These hotels can serve as a great base for exploring the town and its surroundings.
- Bed and Breakfasts: For a more intimate experience, bed and breakfasts in Northampton offer a unique blend of accommodation and local hospitality. These options often provide insights into the town's culture and history.
- Farm stays: With Northampton's rural charm, farm stays are also available for those seeking a unique and immersive experience in the countryside.
Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply exploring a new town, Northampton, Western Australia, offers a range of attractions and accommodation options to suit your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Northampton is a town in the Shire of Northampton, in the Mid West region of Western Australia.
Northampton is about 460 kilometres (290 mi) north of Perth, the state capital of Western Australia.
From Perth, it's a five-hour and 20-minute road trip that can include the Indian Ocean Drive, passing beaches, bays, wildflower hotspots, and the Pinnacles Desert.
Northampton is a historic town with many heritage buildings. You can take the Hampton Road Heritage Walk to explore 37 historically significant buildings, including the old Police Station (built in 1882) and the Church of Our Lady in Ara Coeli (built in c. 1936). Northampton is also known as the gateway to the town of Kalbarri, and the hamlets of Horrocks and Port Gregory.
