Snapshot in Time: Thriving ag hub to frozen in time tourist icon, the turbulent history of Greenough Hamlet

Now known as a historic village frozen in time that attracts countless tourists each year, the Greenough Hamlet of the 1860s was the hub of a thriving agricultural community. That is, until wheat crops began to suffer from the fungal disease known as rust, which severely affected the yield. Alternating periods of drought and flood, together with poor prices for cereal crops, led to a serious decline in the area’s population, and many buildings fell into disrepair. Today the cultural heritage value of Central Greenough is well recognised, and the process of conservation and interpretation of the area has been under way since the 1970s, thanks to the National Trust. The surrounding landscape is world famous for its leaning trees which grow horizontally due to wind and salt damage. The many historical buildings that make up the Hamlet include the Central Greenough School, St Catherine’s Church and Hall, the Old Store, Hackett’s Cottage, and the Dominican Convent. Today, the Greenough Museum hosts many functions and, together with the Greenough Hamlet, attracts plentiful tourists to the area. Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au