Harrismith, Western Australia

Harrismith
Western Australia
Railway Avenue and the heritage listed Uniting Church in Harrismith in January 2024
Harrismith is located in Western Australia
Harrismith
Harrismith
Map
Coordinates32°56′02″S 117°53′02″E / 32.934°S 117.884°E / -32.934; 117.884
Population52 (SAL 2021)[1]
Established1914
Postcode(s)6361
Area202.2 km2 (78.1 sq mi)
Location
LGA(s)Shire of Wickepin
State electorate(s)Central Wheatbelt
Federal division(s)O'Connor

Harrismith is a small town in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, approximately 260 kilometres (162 mi) 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.[2]

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.

References

  1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Harrismith (suburb and locality)". Australian Census 2021 QuickStats. Retrieved 28 June 2022. Edit this at Wikidata
  2. ^ "History of country town names – H". Western Australian Land Information Authority. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2007.