No. 1 Pump Station at Minderinjy is a heritage site beside Mundaring Weir, on Whadjuk Nyoongar Country east of Perth. Built in the 1890s, the station was part of an engineering scheme that carried freshwater 560 kilometres to the goldfields. Inside, the O’Connor Museum has displays about the site and its history, with volunteers sometimes available to explain the machinery and its role. Outside, bushland and views over the dam give you room to explore the setting as well as the station.
A pumping station for the goldfields
No. 1 Pump Station was constructed in the 1890s as part of a scheme to send freshwater from Mundaring Weir to the goldfields, 560 kilometres east. The station is a reminder of the engineering work behind that long-distance water supply. The weir also supplies drinking water to Perth.
The site is at Mundaring Weir, east of Perth, in a bush setting. Its history is tied to both the water infrastructure and the landscape around the dam.
Museum displays and the historic pumps
The O’Connor Museum is inside the pump station. Its interactive displays explain the site’s history and engineering. You can also view the historic pumps; this part of the visit has a small fee, while some areas are free.
Volunteers run the site and can sometimes give tours or describe the station’s history. Their explanations add context to the equipment and the station’s place in the water scheme.
Exploring the weir surroundings
Allow time to walk around the grounds and take in the bush views over the dam. The area has stairs, so expect some climbing if you explore on foot. The station and its surroundings suit visitors interested in early Australian engineering and the water system connected with Perth and the goldfields.
FAQ
When is No. 1 Pump Station open?
The listed opening time is Sunday from noon to 4 pm. As the site is volunteer-run, check before travelling because opening can change or be cancelled.
What can you see inside the pump station?
The O’Connor Museum has interactive displays about the station and its history. The historic pumps can also be viewed for a small fee.
Why was No. 1 Pump Station built?
It was part of a 1890s engineering scheme to carry freshwater from Mundaring Weir to the goldfields, 560 kilometres to the east.
