Mullewa

Mullewa is a town located 98 kilometres east-northeast of Geraldton, it is a vibrant, diverse and resilient community, rich in both natural and cultural heritage.

Mullewa is well known for an abundance of wildflowers in spring and it is one of the few places in the world that the wreath flower grows.

Mullewa boasts a number of religious buildings designed by the famous Western Australian architect-priest Monsignor John Hawes, including the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Holy Apostles St Peter and St Paul and the Priest House (now known as the Monsignor Hawes Priesthouse Museum).

Things to see in Mullewa

This WA Weekender episode focuses on the beautiful Mullewa region and it's stunning wildflowers.

The Mullewa District comes alive in late winter and spring each year, when dramatic displays of wildflowers brighten the bushland and road verges.

Amongst the many varieties of wildflowers are the famous wreath flower as well as the pink, white and yellow everlastings, and the pom-pom everlastings.

Take a look at Visit Geraldton for more information on Mullewa

The Church of our Lady of Mt Carmel and the Holy Apostles St Peter and St Paul

The building which was mostly built by Hawes - he was architect, foreman and labourer - is an attempt to recreate a Romanesque church typical of the village churches in Italy and Spain.

The church has been internally altered in recent times but there is still plenty of detail for the visitor to enjoy. It is claimed that one of the gargoyles is a caricature of the Bishop of Geraldton with whom Hawes was engaged in a bitter dispute at the time of construction. The bell tower has seven bells the largest of which was cast in Oregon as a railway bell and the pipe organ was given to the church by Hawes' mother.

The Priest House

Next to the church is The Priest House which is open to the public from 10.00-11.45 and 1.30-3.00 Monday to Friday. It was completed in 1927 and is now a museum. It houses a lot of Hawes' memorabilia including a plaster bust he made as an arts student and a cup he won at the races in Yalgoo.

Pioneer Cemetery

About 1 km north of the town on the Mullewa-Carnarvon road is the Pioneer Cemetery. Here is the only example of a Hawes' designed and constructed headstone. The stone was carved for Selby John Arnold, one of the altar boys in the Mullewa Church.

Butterabby Grave

To get to the Butterabby site take the Mingenew Road west of Mullewa and proceed along it until you reach the sign: 'Gravestones - Butterabby'.

The grave is on private ground and is marked by a single piece of stone on which is written 'In these graves lie James Rudd speared here at Butterabby 23 Sept 1864. Also Garder, Wangayakoo, Yourmacarra, Charlacarra, Williacarra. Natives sentenced in Perth and hanged here 28 Jan 1865 for the spearing of Thomas Bott at Butterabby 22 August 1864.'

Walk Trails

 Mullewa offers five walk trails:

  • Mullewa Bush Trail – a 2370 metre loop starting and finishing at the Mullewa Scenic Lookout focusing on natural heritage and indigenous culture.
  • Town Heritage Trail – a 1100 metre circuit starting and finishing at the Information Bay covering the towns built heritage and some if its characters!
  • Rail Heritage Loop – a 1720 metre loop starting and finishing at the Information Bay exploring the fascinating history of the Mullewa railway precinct.
  • Wildflower Walk – a 2820 metre circuit starting and finishing at Lover’s Lane identifying and describing some of the most common and spectacular species.
  • Monsignor Hawes Heritage Walk – a 590 metres one-way walk showcasing the work of this remarkable priest-architect.

Places of Interest

  • Mullewa Scenic Lookout – one of the best ways to see an overview of Mullewa
  • The Church of Our Lady of Mt Carmel – designed and built by Monsignor Hawes
  • Monsignor Hawes Priest House Museum – includes personal effects
  • Saint Andrews Anglican Church – stone building on Padbury Street
  • Mullewa Town Hall – built in 1935 art-deco style
  • Mullewa Murals – throughout the town
  • Redland Roses – a flower-growing and market garden venture run by the local Aboriginal Corporation
  • Mass Rock – where Monsignor Hawes held services for the Aboriginal people
  • Aboriginal Art Workshop and Gallery – meet the artists at work

Annual Events

Mullewa Muster and Rodeo

Held in late May or early June, visitors to the Muster can experience the excitement of a Full Point rodeo as well as a Beaut Ute and whip crackin’ competition. There are also lots of stalls and fun activities for the whole family.

The Mullewa Muster and Rodeo has attracted thousands of people since its inception in 2012. The event is a big draw card for contestants as it is the highest paying prize money rodeo in the State. A third of our competitors actually travelled from interstate for the Rodeo.

In 2015 the Mullewa Muster Country Music Concert featured Adam Harvey, The Sunny Cowgirls, Chelsea Basham and Vince Jones & No Limits.

Free camping is available on site and breakfast is served all weekend.

For the full line-up and event times visit Mullewa Muster.

Mullewa Wildflower Show

Held over 4 days in the middle of the spring wildflower season the Mullewa Wildflower Show showcases all the local species including the Wreath Flower(Leschenaultia macrantha). Entry Fee is $5 for Adults, $3 Pensioners/Children. Children under 5 are free.

There is also have local community information stalls as well as our wonderful Herbarium display. Kiosk facilities and a souvenir/giftshop are available. Opening hours are Thurs-Sat 9am-4pm & Sun 9am-1pm.        

Mullewa Agricultural Show

Located at the Mullewa Recreation Ground on Main Road the Mullewa Agricultural Show is held late August or early September. It is a fantastic day out for everyone! All the fun of sideshow alley, livestock exhibitions and judging, the ‘quick shear’ competition, ‘Mullewa Gift’ races, monster trucks and a fireworks finale.

For more information contact the Mullewa Visitor Centre