Harrismith, Western Australia Explained

Type:town
Harrismith
Lga:Shire of Wickepin
Local Map:yes
Zoom:10
Est:1914
Postcode:6361
Coordinates:-32.934°N 117.884°W
Dist1:259
Dir1:SE
Location1:Perth
Dist2:67
Dir2:E
Location2:Narrogin
Fedgov:O'Connor
Stategov:Central Wheatbelt
State:wa

Harrismith is a small town in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, approximately 260km (160miles) south-east of Perth between the towns of Wickepin and Kulin.

History

When a railway line was being constructed from Narrogin to Kondinin in 1914, the government placed a siding at this location, naming it "South Dorakin". However, local settlers opposed the name, and suggested Harrismith, after Harry Smith, the first settler in the vicinity. The name change was approved and the town was gazetted in 1915.

Present day

The town has a small hotel and caravan park as well as sports facilities. Other services are offered from nearby Tincurrin. The area around Harrismith is home to wildflowers in spring, especially verticordia.