Mullewa
Mullewa is located just an hour’s drive east of Geraldton and is rich in both natural and cultural heritage. It’s a hotspot for wildflowers and is one of the few places in the world that the Wreath Flower grows.
Mullewa has a number of buildings designed by the famous architect-priest Monsignor John Hawes such as the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Holy Apostles St Peter and St Paul and the Monsignor Hawes Priesthouse Museum.
Wildflowers
Mullewa comes to life in late winter and spring when carpets of colourful wildflowers appear in the bushland and road side. Amongst the many varieties of wildflowers is the famous Wreath Flower, which is unique to the Mullewa area.
There’s also pink, white and yellow Everlastings and a Pom-Pom version, which is as equally beautiful. If you can’t make it out to see all of the wildflowers, Mullewa has an annual Wildflower Show in late August which features all of the region’s blooms under one roof.
Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church and the Holy Apostles St Peter and St Paul
Architect and priest Monsignor Hawes has had a huge influence in the Midwest and in particular, Mullewa. This beautiful church 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 all 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 10am - 11.45am and 1.30pm – 3pm from Monday to Friday. It was completed in 1927 and is now a Museum that 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.
Walk trails
Mullewa has some beautiful walk trails just waiting to be explored. Make sure you pack your walking shoes and plenty of water:
Mullewa Bush Trail – A 2,370 metre loop starting and finishing at the Mullewa Scenic Lookout focusing on natural heritage and Indigenous culture.
Town Heritage Trail – Starting and finishing at the Information Bay covering the town’s heritage and some if its characters!
Rail Heritage Loop – Learn all about the Mullewa Railway Precinct on this 1720 metre loop walk.
Wildflower Walk – Starting and finishing at Lover’s Lane, this walk trail identifies and describes some of the most common and spectacular wildflower species.
Monsignor Hawes Heritage Walk – A one-way walk showcasing the work of this remarkable priest-architect.
Annual Events
Mullewa Muster and Rodeo
Experience the red dust in the real bush when the Mullewa Muster and Rodeo unfolds every year. There’s everything from whip cracking competitions, beaut ute contestants, barrel racing, bull riding, a country music concert, food stalls and so much more.
The event has attracted thousands of people since its inception in 2012 and continues to grow. The Mullewa Muster and Rodeo is the highest paying prize money rodeo in the state with a portion of visitors travelling from around Australia to attend it.
Mullewa Wildflower Show
Held in the middle of the wildflower season is the Mullewa Wildflower Show, which showcases all the local species including the Wreath Flower. If you can’t make it out to see the wildflowers in the countryside make sure you attend this event.
Mullewa Agricultural Show
The Mullewa Agricultural Show is held late August or early September and is a fantastic day out for everyone! All the fun of sideshow alley, livestock exhibitions, the ‘quick shear’ competition, ‘Mullewa Gift’ races and a fireworks finale.
Take a look at Visit Mullewa to learn more