Museums

There are two museums in the Shire - the Dead Finish Museum and Beverley Aeronautical Museum. Also of historical interest are the Avondale Discovery Farm and Vintage Machinery display operated by B & K Ferguson.

Dead Finish Museum

This building was originally built as a hotel in 1872. At that time it was the centre of Beverley but the coming of the railway fourteen years later drew the town towards the station leaving the Dead Finish out of the main stream of business.

Operated by the Beverley Historical Society, this museum will give you a fascinating insight into the early days of settlement in Beverley and has a lovely garden featuring sandalwood. The museum staff are helpful and very knowledgeable.

Open Sundays, between March and November or by arrangement with the Tourist Information Centre.

The Historical Society is always looking for new volunteers to assist them in their efforts.

Beverley Aeronautical Museum

The Beverley Aeronautical Museum situated in the centre of the town is a tribute to the aviators of Western Australia. The history of some of the highpoints of aviation in this State are depicted in photographs around the walls of the museum with more information in printed form. The main exhibit in the museum is the 'Silver Centenary' a hand-built bi-plane which had it's maiden flight in Beverley on the 1st of July 1930. Built with the combined effort of Selby Ford and his cousin Tom Shackles the aircraft took more than two years to build in the old Beverley powerhouse.

The museum is open every day and is operated by the Beverley Tourist Bureau. For more information on the museum and the 'Silver Centenary' go to www.beverleywa.com

The Beverley Tourist Bureau is 100% volunteer-run and is always looking for new volunteers to operate the information service and the museum. Please contact Belinda Foster at the Bureau on 9646 1555 if you can help.

Avondale Discovery Farm

Situated just 6kms west of town, Avondale offers visitors many interesting things to do. Entry to Avondale is free of charge.

You can enjoy a drive around the farm seeing many different agricultural activities, including grain and stock production. Along the way are kangaroos and emus.

The 1850's homestead is furnished in turn-of-the-century style and will carry you back to pioneer times, all set in extensive gardens. The 1890's stables house the Clydesdale horses. The Animal Nursery is a place where the young, and young at heart, can see and touch a variety of animals.

Avondale boasts one of the largest agricultural machinery museums in Western Australia, with many tractors in working order, a testimony to the advances of the past one hundred years. A picnic area and FREE gas BBQ's are provided.

Avondale is open every day. Phone 9646 1004 for more information.

Ferguson's Vintage Machinery Display

Barry and Kath Ferguson operate this private display of vintage machinery and appliances from days gone by. Located at 22 Hunt Road, Beverley, the display is also home to a very impressive vehicle registration plate collection and various items of local significance. Phone 08 9646 1034 for more information. Residence at 21 Dawson Street, rear of shed.