Naaning Well - WA

Naaning Well site was significant for supplying water to gold seekers on the goldfields track to the Yilgarn Goldfield in the late 1800’s. Follow the track for approximately 300m and see the remains of the well.Nenin Well, Naaning Well and Yarragin Homestead were commissioned by the Toodyay Road Board in 1869.The first payable discovery of gold in the Yilgarn was by prospectors Greaves, Payne and Anstey in 1887 at Eenuin and subsequently at Golden Valley north of present Bullfinch. It was these finds that began the rush and on the 1st October 1988 the Yilgarn Goldfield was declared. The quickest way to reach Yilgarn from Perth at this time was by rail to Northam and then by road to Goomalling and finally east along the Yarragin Road.Gold seekers trekked along the Yarragin Road, camping at the wells and homesteads as designated by a map provided to them that was published to provide prospectors with details of water and provisions. By 1889 inns had been established at Goomalling, Mangowine and Yarragin. In 1892, with the Coolgardie goldrush the focus turned to rail transport and the Yarragin route was all but abandoned.The purpose of the Reserve was changed to protection of flora in 2000, at which time it was vested in the Shire of Dowerin. Naaning Well, well worth a visit, is significant for the associations with early explorers, surveyors and gold seekers on the goldfields track to the Yilgarn Goldfield. It has picnic facilities, toilets, and a walk trail.