Varley, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids VarleyWestern Australia |
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 Varley
Location in Western Australia
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| Established | 1939 |
| Postcode(s) | 6355 |
| Elevation | 325 m (1,066 ft) |
| Area | [convert: needs a number] |
| Location | |
| LGA(s) | Shire of Lake Grace |
| State electorate(s) | Roe |
| Federal Division(s) | O'Connor |
Varley is a small town in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It sits between the towns of Hyden and Lake King. This quiet country town is a hub for grain farming in the area.
Contents
Discovering Varley: A Small Town in Western Australia
Where is Varley Located?
Varley is found in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. This area is famous for its wide-open spaces and important farms. The town is about 422 kilometers (262 miles) southeast of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. It's also just 41 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Lake King.
A Look Back at Varley's History
The land around Varley was first opened for farming in the 1930s. As more farmers moved in, they needed a town nearby. In 1938, local people started asking for a town to be officially created. Their request was approved, and Varley became an official town on November 22, 1939.
The town got its name from a nearby lake and a rock, both called Lake Varley and Varley Rock. An explorer named Frank Hann named them in 1901. He likely named them after Gustavus Varley, who worked for the government in the mines department.
What Varley is Known For
The main job in Varley is farming. Farmers in the area grow crops like wheat, barley, and other grains. Varley is an important collection point for these crops. This means that after harvest, farmers bring their grains to Varley to be stored and sent away. This is done through a company called Cooperative Bulk Handling.
Life in Varley: Population and Facilities
Varley is a small community. About 200 people live in the town and the surrounding area. Even though it's small, Varley has some great facilities for its residents. These include a museum where you can learn about the area's past. There's also a recreation center for sports and activities, and even a golf course for those who enjoy the game.
Fun Things to See and Do Near Varley
If you visit Varley, there are a few interesting places nearby to explore:
- The Rabbit Proof Fence: This is a very long fence built a long time ago to stop rabbits from spreading across Western Australia. Part of it runs close to Varley.
- Hatters Hill: This is an old, abandoned gold mining town. It's a fascinating place to imagine what life was like during the gold rush.
A Famous Resident: Iain Eairdsidh MacAsgaill
One notable person who lived near Varley was Iain Eairdsidh MacAsgaill. He was a Scottish-Australian immigrant who farmed near Lake Varley from 1925 to 1933. He was also known as the Bàrd Bheàrnaraigh, which means "the Bard of Bernera" (a place in Scotland). He wrote poems and songs about missing his home, and his works are an important part of modern Scottish Gaelic literature.
