Balkuling, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BalkulingWestern Australia |
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 Balkuling
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1920 |
| Postcode(s) | 6383 |
| Elevation | 284 m (932 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location |
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Quairading |
| State electorate(s) | Central Wheatbelt |
| Federal Division(s) | O’Connor |
Balkuling is a fascinating place in Western Australia that used to be a busy town but is now abandoned. It's located about 192 kilometers (about 120 miles) east of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. You can find it in a region called the Wheatbelt, which is known for its farming.
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Discovering Balkuling
Balkuling is often called an abandoned town or a ghost town. This means that most people have moved away, and many of the buildings are no longer used. It sits along the Quairading-York Road, a path that connects different areas in the Wheatbelt.
Where is Balkuling Located?
This former town is found in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It's about 192 kilometers east of Perth. If you travel west from Balkuling for about 28 kilometers, you'll reach the town of Quairading.
How Balkuling Started
The townsite of Balkuling was officially named and set up in 1920. Before it became a town, it was a small stop, called a siding, on a railway line. This railway line, built in 1907, connected Greenhills to Quairading. The railway was important for moving goods, especially wheat, from farms to bigger towns.
The Name Balkuling
The name Balkuling comes from the Aboriginal language. It is believed to mean walking. This name was also used for the local area around the town.
Life in Balkuling
In its early days, Balkuling was a lively place. It was a typical Wheatbelt town with many homes, shops, and garages. People lived and worked there, supporting the local farming community.
Balkuling's School
A school was very important for the children living in Balkuling.
- In 1922, a school first opened its doors in the town hall.
- It stayed open until 1947, though it closed a few times when there weren't enough students.
- In 1947, a new school building was brought to Balkuling from a place called Bellakabella. This helped continue education for the children in the area.
Over time, like many small towns in the Wheatbelt, Balkuling's population decreased, leading to it becoming an abandoned town.
