Darkan

A medium sized agricultural centre and the principal town of the Shire of West Arthur. Primary production in the area is mainly sheep farming. The town is between Collie and Arthur River on the Coalfields Road. The area was settled as early as 1860's, one of the first settlers being Mr William John Gibbs. Mr Gibbs had several properties in the area, one of which was named Darkan. The name is of Aboriginal origin. The townsite was gazetted in 1906

Darkan - Welcome Sign to Town

A welcome sign to Darkan. This depicts the local sheep farming industry. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK001

Darkan - Burrowes Street

The main street of Darkan, Burrowes Street, looking west. Off to the right is the former railway area. Further right is the Coalfields Road. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK002

Darkan - Hotel

The Darkan Hotel on the Coalfields Road. This was built in 1906. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK003

Darkan - Old Station Master's House

This building would have been quite glorious in the past. This appears to be the former station master's house, erected in 1912. It's adjacent to the railway area towards the east end of town, and set slightly back from the Coalfields Road. It looks as if it is undergoing restoration. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK004

Darkan - Railway Station

The old railway station has been preserved but all but a few token metres of track have been lifted. This station is almost a total replica of that at Bowelling (or vice versa). The station was erected in 1912. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK005

Darkan - Post Office and C.W.A.

On the Coalfields Road stand the Post Office and the typically blue C.W.A. rooms, side by side. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK006

Darkan - Road Board Building

The former West Arthur Road Board building, built in 1929. Later it was used by the Agricultural Protection Board. These days it seems to be being used by the Health and Resource Centre next door as the buildings appear to have been linked. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK007

Darkan - Shire Hall

This is the Shire of West Arthur Hall. At the rear of the hall is the original Pioneer Hall. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK008

Darkan - Pioneer Hall

The Darkan Pioneer Hall. Lovely old stone-work displayed. This was constructed in 1910. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK009

Darkan - Health Centre

On Burrowes Street is the Health and Resource Centre, Community Agriculture Centre, administered by the Shire of West Arthur. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK010

Darkan - Old Shop

An old disused shop on the main street, alas falling into disrepair. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK011

Darkan - Eziway Store

The local Eziway Store on Burrowes Street provides all the necessary day-to-day provisions for residents. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK012

Darkan - Rarebits on Burrowes

Rarebits on Burrowes, nice play on words. This is a cafe plus sells clothing, books etc. Probably all the things Eziway doesn't. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK013

Darkan - Uniting Church

The Uniting Church on Arthur Street. Originally the Darkan Methodist Church, the Foundation Stone was laid by Mrs S. E. Curnow on 24th November 1954. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK014

Darkan - School

The local school which is on Darkan South Road. Looks good in the two-tone blue. This is the main entrance and therefore probably the administration area. The school opened in 1908 as a single room primary school. It has expanded over the years. In 1962 it became a junior high school then in 1974 a district high school. The school reverted to being a primary school only in 2010. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK015

Darkan - Primary School

The sheltered sports area and spick and span verandah pictured during the school holidays. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK016

Darkan - Wooden Rail Bridge

Just a few hundred metres out of town, on the west side, is this old wooden rail bridge crossing a creek. The bridge remains as you can see. The rail lines have been lifted. April 2012. Photos Ref: DARK017

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