Finding granite and greetings

From classic country towns to local walks and life round “the granites”, there’s plenty to see and explore — and we know our readers will get a warm, country welcome. 

Because it is a vast area, extending across more than 200,000sqkm, it would be impossible to describe all of the regions and each of the towns, of course. 

But this Wheatbelt Guide has a strong theme — picking up the recognisable essence of the country towns of the Wheatbelt, and the surprises these areas have to offer.

For almost a third — more than 60,000sqkm — of the Wheatbelt is classified as conservation and natural environments.

There are particular sounds — a particular sort of late light in the Wheatbelt. And in our country towns I’m looking out for ...  

• Town bakeries for bread and treats.
• Hotels with classic roasts.
• Pubs with banter.
• History walks and heritage museums.
• Nice chat at information centres.
• Town parks.
• Good op shops.
• Local honey and produce.
• Weekend markets.
• Nature reserves.
• Picnic spots in sheoaks around granites.
• Listen for white-cheeked honeyeaters singing at dawn.
• Watch for red-tailed black cockatoos overhead.