Hidden away in the inland region of WA’s mid-west, Mellenbye is a station stay with a difference. These days pastoral stations often offer visitors a place to call in and enjoy a stay near a river, creek, lake, beach or shady trees. Well, Mellenbye has none of these, but this is more than made up for with a number of unique and other unusual and appealing attractions that make visiting a real joy.

Mellenbye is a working cattle station covering more than 100,000ha (250,000 acres) between Morawa and Yalgoo with a settlement history going back to 1895 and there is certainly a good deal of history to be seen as you wander around this delightful station.

Mellenbye is a working cattle station with a history dating back to 1895. From the merry-go-round to the resident goats and memorabilia, there’s a lot to discover and enjoy.

WHEN YOU GET THERE

The first unusual feature that comes into view as you arrive at the station (7km off the allsealed Morawa to Yalgoo Road) is a colourful, fully operational children’s merry-go-round. Then, parked outside the homestead is an old (still in great condition) motorised Fremantle Tram used these days for tours of the station.

On arrival visitors are greeted by Shelly Bogdan, the friendly hostess who has been managing things here since 2016. Our visit to Mellenbye (recommended by a friend) was during a recent caravanning trip through the area, and after a briefing on the station attractions, Shelly showed us to the quite extensive campground (fees apply — no powered sites here) near the station’s old shearing shed. Close at hand is a well-appointed campers’ kitchen, toilet and shower facilities (water heated by a donkey heater), and most sites have a camp fire pit where visitors can enjoy quiet time and happy hours, while watching a million-plus stars in the clear sky.

Returning to the shearing shed and, well, this lovely old stone building is a real delight. Sheep have long since disappeared from the property and the old shed has been converted into a wonderful entertainment centre for use by station visitors. While some of the old shearing memorabilia  is still on display, the shed now has a great new wooden dance floor, complete with a number of musical instruments and karaoke equipment, disco lights, a bucking mechanical bull, pinball table, games, table tennis, darts, happy hour or meal dining area with tables and chairs, facilities to watch DVDs, and tourist and historic displays.

There are even large chandeliers hanging from the rafters. This place has to be seen to be believed!

Nearby is a range of accommodation options, including shearers’ quarters, donga units quite a bit larger than usual with queen-size beds, a writing desk, air conditioning, private ensuite and outside decking with chairs to sit and enjoy station views and have a campfire.

There are also two self-contained, single-bed cabins with limited cooking facilities, and two self-contained cottages (suitable for up to four people). Accommodation is also available in the station homestead, offering rooms with queen-size beds and ensuites.

The old shearing shed now sports a dance floor, rocking bull and games and an old Fremantle Tram is used to take tours around the 100,000ha station

STAYING ENTERTAINED

Other unusual attractions and facilities at Mellenbye include a mini golf putting course, a croquet field and a bocce area (all dirt, as is the campground).

All equipment is available from the homestead.

Station tours are available in the historic Fremantle Tram or can be done on a self-drive adventure with mud map provided. These tour options are particularly appealing during wildflower season, which includes sighting the unusual and very colourful wreath flowers (lechenultia macrantha), which usually flowers from August to early September, depending on early winter rains.

Also of interest to most station visitors is a 20km drive east of the homestead to The Rock (Wollanoo Hill) - a huge granite outcrop often with plenty of wildflowers and orchids around the base in spring, which can be climbed for a great view over the station’s countryside. Allow about 30 minutes’ driving time each way.

The station tour is a highlight  for most, however,  is the magnificent white cliff breakaway area approximately 15km south from the homestead. This colourful and quite dramatic landscape would have to be among the most spectacular breakaway sites to be seen anywhere in Australia.

Enjoy the views from the ridge top and for a different perspective, you can climb down to the bottom and wander along the base checking out the overhangs, caves and other unusual geological features. These formations are best seen in the morning light as they are mostly in shadow in the afternoon. Also allow around 30 minutes’ travel each way.

The cliff breakaway is a highlight but with so much to see and do, Mellenbye is a must stay on your WA travels

An alternative here at Mellenbye is to simply settle back and read a book without interruption of mobile phone or internet distractions, or talk to and make friends with the two resident homestead goats (Danny and Sandy) and three donkeys (Banjo, Maurice and Dusty), or even borrow one of the painters’ easels from the station plus brushes, paints and canvas (small fee) and possibly discover one of your hidden creative talents!

What a pleasant, peaceful place, with so many great options from which to choose.

Mellenbye is literally an Aussie Station Stay with a difference, don’t miss it on your WA travels.

Additional Information

• The name Mellenbye is believed to come from the Indigenous name of a bottlebrush plant which grows in the area.

• The entrance to Mellenbye Station is 47km north of Morawa and about 77km south of Yalgoo. The homestead is 7km off the sealed Morawa-Yalgoo Road.

• Arrangements can be made for groups, clubs and private functions like weddings.

• There is no mobile phone or internet reception on the station.

• Generators are allowed in the campground for limited hours only.

• No dogs are allowed on the property as wild dog baits are laid on the station.

• BYO drinking water, food and drinks.

• There are no credit card or EFTPOS facilities. Cash is preferred or direct deposit prior to arrival.

• Travellers must arrive by 5pm as the risk of hitting cattle or wildlife means no night travel on the station.

• There is a dump point onsite for emergency use only. Morawa, 50km away, and Yalgoo, 77km away, have official dump points — use them prior to or after your Mellenbye visit if possible.

• For young children, a porta cot, sheets, blankets, high chair and baby bath are available for hire. Children’s pedal bikes are allowed for use in campgrounds and nearby around the homestead.

• Also worth checking out is the beaut vintage Reo Motor Truck called ‘Clarrie’ under cover in a station shed.

• The station is open for visitors from July to October. Advance bookings are required for all accommodation units. It is best to phone ahead for camping sites as sometimes these areas are busy with tour groups and/or caravan clubs. Station stays outside normal opening times can be organised with prior arrangements – preferably by email as station staff are often busy on the property away from the phone during these times.

• Fees apply.

Category: Destinations
Written: Fri 01 Jan 2021
Printed: January, 2021
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