Spencers Brook, Western Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spencers Brook Western Australia
Spencers Brook Location in Western Australia
Postcode(s)	6401
Area	[convert: needs a number]
LGA(s)	Shire of Northam
State electorate(s)	Central Wheatbelt
Federal Division(s)	Durack

Spencers Brook is a special place in the Avon Valley region of Western Australia. It's known as a waterway, a small community (called a locality), and a wider area (a district).

This area is located between two towns, Northam and York. It's about 95 kilometers (59 miles) east of Perth, the capital city. Spencers Brook is part of the Shire of Northam, which is like its local government. You can reach Spencers Brook by road from Clackline, Northam, or York. In 2006, about 195 people lived here.

The area was first called Brookton by a landowner named Thomas Wilding. He built the historic Brookton Hotel in 1884. This hotel was later renamed Spencers Brook Hotel in 1920 and is still open today as the Spencers Brook Tavern. Close by, you'll also find the Muresk Institute. This is part of Curtin University, where students learn about farming and environmental science. The closest big town for shopping and services is Northam, which is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) north.

Spencers Brook: A Historic Place

Spencers Brook has a rich history, especially because of its important role in the railway system.

The Railway Hub

Spencers Brook was once a very important railway junction. This means it was a key point where train lines split off. Trains coming from Perth could either go south on the Great Southern Railway towards Albany or east on the Eastern Goldfields Railway towards Kalgoorlie.

A Busy Train Stop

The Spencers Brook railway station first opened in 1885. This happened when the train line from Perth to York was finished. A year later, in 1886, a new line was built from Spencers Brook to Northam. The station was a busy stop for trains until 1966. It had a railway yard, tearooms for travelers, and a water tower for the steam trains.

Even after 1966, a part of the railway line stayed open until 1981. This section was used to carry iron ore trains from Northam and Spencers Brook to a factory in Wundowie. After 1981, all the railway tracks and buildings were removed. Today, you can only see the old stationmaster's house and some concrete foundations from where a turntable for locomotives used to be. However, the Great Southern Railway still passes through the Spencers Brook area between Northam and York.

Spencers Brook During Wartime

Spencers Brook also played a part in Australia's history during World War II.

A Supply Base

During World War II, Spencers Brook was home to the Australian Army's 7th Supply Depot (7SD). This depot was like a huge warehouse. It was run by the 8 Supply Personnel Company. They stored important items like clothing, medical supplies, and food. These supplies were then sent out to different army units. The depot had its own special train line connected to the main Eastern Railway. If you travel on Spencers Brook Road towards the railway crossing from the Tavern, you can still see some parts of the old depot today.