Dowerin is situated 156 kilometres northeast of Perth on the Northam-Wyalkatchem-Merredin railway loop line.
The name Dowerin is taken from the Aboriginal word 'Daren' that was given to a series of lakes some eight kilometres south of the town. The nearby soak or water hole known as Tin Dog Creek was a resting place and watering hole for travellers and prospectors on their way to the Goldfields.
The first settlement for agriculture was in 1897, although prospectors regularly passed through the area on their way to the Yilgarn and Kalgoorlie Goldfields. The opening of Dowerin’s Railway in 1906 was significant in dictating the relocation of the town site to its current location. The line extending from Goomalling provided a valuable service for trade and travel purposes and the town quickly grew with businesses established to cater for the needs of new settlers. The first public buildings, a school and Methodist Church were built at Dowerin Lakes, or Old Dowerin.
Primary production, including farming livestock, wool, and cereal crops, is the chief source of income for the area.
Dowerin is also well known for its Machinery Field Days. Held over two days at the end of every August showcasing the very latest in machinery, associated equipment, precision technology and rural services. The Dowerin community welcomes an influx of visitors and exhibitors for the week when the town's population can increase to up to 15,000.
Hotel, motel and a caravan park accommodation is available.
