Windmill Hill Cutting

The standard gauge railway was constructed to link Western Australia with the Eastern States. This project was a major undertaking through the Avon Valley section, approximately 3 million m3 (mostly rock) was excavated. In Toodyay, the Windmill Hill Cutting is the deepest on the standard gauge railway and one of the deepest in Australia.

The geological nature of the site required special treatment to consolidate the slopes and construction took place in 1963-1964.

Some figures: Depth: (max) 34 metres Length: 510 metres Width: 20-75 metres Height above sea level: 151 metres.

The track became operational in February 1966.

Directions: Windmill Hill Cutting is located approx 6km on the Northam-Toodyay Road. Turn right at the sign on the Northam-Toodyay Rd then right at the T junction. Approx 100 metres along there is a gravel pull off bay on your left and a pathway to follow up to the lookout point. Due to the uneven nature of the pathways and the age of the lookout fencing, care should be exercised when visiting this site. 

Location