Newdegate was settled in 1922 and the railway line was extended from Lake Grace in 1926. By 1928, Newdegate had four general stores, a hotel, bakery, saddlery, two garages, fruit shop and a town hall.
Today the town, though smaller, is a self-sufficient farming community which hosts one of the state’s major agricultural events - Newdegate Machinery Field Days.
The Field Days are held every September, with 40 hectares of machinery, agricultural goods, art/craft displays, and regional produce. Join in a real country fair, going since 1972, with food, fashion, carnival rides and stalls. Displays include crop information, stock and wool promotions, and speed shear events. Catch up with tourism information at the Pioneer Park gazebo in the town centre, or relax in the park gardens with barbecues for public use.
The Hainsworth Building, which houses the Newdegate Pioneer Museum, was originally built as a general store and dining room in 1931. The heritage listed building also functioned as a boarding house for railway workers and travellers and now houses a fine collection of photographs, historical objects and musical instruments from times of early settlement. Wander outside to see examples of early agricultural machinery.
Just out of town is Dragons Rocks Reserve, a wonderful experience of the flora and fauna unique to this area.
