Ford crossing, West Toodyay facts for kids
A ford crossing is a shallow place in a river where people and animals can walk or ride across. The ford crossing in West Toodyay, Western Australia, is a natural part of the Avon River. It was very important for early settlers in the area. They used it to cross the river before the West Toodyay Bridge was built.
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What is a Ford Crossing?
A ford crossing is like a natural bridge made of shallow water. It's a spot where the river is not deep. This allows people, horses, and wagons to cross easily. The ford in West Toodyay is special because it's a wide, rocky area. This rocky base makes it strong and easy to cross.
A Hidden History
For many years, people weren't sure exactly where this ford was. It wasn't shown on old maps. When the West Toodyay Bridge was built in 1902, the ford was used less. Because of this, its exact location became a bit of a mystery.
However, in 2010, some research helped find it again. It turns out the ford is still there! It's a wide, rocky area just upstream from the West Toodyay Bridge. This rocky shelf made crossing the river simple. The paths leading to it on both sides are also strong. They don't get washed away easily, even when the river floods.
Used by First Peoples
It is very likely that the rocky ford crossing was part of an old trail. This trail was used by the local Ballardong Noongar people. They would have traveled along the Toodyay valley for many years. The ford made it easier for them to move up and down the river.
Important for Early Settlers
The ford was perfect for horses, carts, and wagons. It helped early settlers move around the area. However, if the river was flooding, crossing would have been too dangerous.
Unlike some man-made crossings, this natural ford was very strong. There are no records of it ever being damaged. Even during big floods, it didn't need repairs. This shows how well-suited it was for crossing the river.
A Special Pool and Spring
Upstream from the ford, there was a long pool of water. This pool was fed by a spring that flowed all the time. The spring entered the river from the north side. This meant the pool always had water, even during the hot summer months.
The Military Barracks also stood near the ford crossing. They were on the left bank of the river, upstream from the ford. The ford crossing was extremely important for the first people living in Toodyay. It was also vital for those living further out in the valley.
