Railway Tavern Northampton (CG)

For those interested in historic towns—and historic pubs in particular—a good place for a stopover along the North West Coastal Highway in WA is the Railway Tavern Northampton. Located just 50 km north of Geraldton, the tavern was built around 1876, and details of Northampton’s history are now displayed on the walls of the bar. Owners Kelly and Ian Trevarton have been running the tavern since 2005 and, as experienced travellers themselves, understand the needs of those on the road.

The tavern offers on-site accommodation as well as a camping area for hotel patrons. The camping area spans 5 acres behind the tavern and has dirt and gravel sites that are mostly level. Campers need to be in a self-contained camper, caravan, or motorhome, though you are welcome to use the toilets in the tavern during opening hours. Showers are also available for a small fee. There is no time limit on the length of stay, however, you must be patronising the tavern while you’re there. Pets are welcome in the campground and on the tavern’s verandah, but not inside, and must be kept on a leash.

On-site accommodation is offered in air conditioned double and family rooms. Double rooms contain a double and single bed, while family rooms consist of two adjoining rooms that sleep up to six. Some rooms have ensuites, while others share a toilet and shower block. Many of the rooms are located around a central courtyard that is equipped with tables and seating.

Meals are available in the tavern seven nights a week from 6.00 pm (last orders at 7.45 pm). You can also get lunch Wednesday to Sunday from noon. However, Railway Tavern Northampton’s meals aren’t your typical ‘pub grub’. With a qualified chef in the kitchen, the meals are restaurant quality. The menu changes monthly and can include dishes such as crispy skin salmon, seafood platter, steak, parmigiana, crayfish, Italian meatballs, pizza, pasta, Chinese, and Indian. The restaurant has two dining areas, one especially for families, and you have the option of either eating in or getting your meal to take away with you. Drinks on offer include a range of quality wines and Australian and imported beers.

To keep you occupied during your stay, you can play pool, darts, or board games in the tavern, and free wi-fi is available. Or if you feel like spending some time outdoors, the Lions Park across the road from the tavern has a barbecue as well as a playground for the kids.

Northampton has a reasonable range of services including hospitals, medical clinic, pharmacy, banks, visitor information centre, supermarket, butcher, hardware, and other stores. A dump point and water refilling point can be found opposite the IGA supermarket. For services not available in town, Geraldton is just a half hour drive away.

HOW TO GET THERE
Railway Tavern Northampton is easy to find as it’s situated right on the North West Coastal Highway (National Route 1). If coming from the south, it is on the left about 500m past the Caltex service station. A sign indicating the town centre and Port Gregory Road is immediately before the tavern. If travelling from the north, the tavern is about 150m past the Port Gregory Road turn-off.

SITE ACCESS
Please check in at the main bar area before proceeding to the rear of the hotel. There is ample space for vans and motorhomes to park at the front and side of the tavern.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Limited space so best to call ahead.
Fee is $10/night per vehicle for pub patrons only.
From $110/night for 2 persons for Private Courtyard Rooms.
From $210 for Family Room sleeps 6.

THINGS TO DO
Northampton is a town filled with history, sightseeing, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

If travelling between July and November, the roadsides, paddocks, and town verges are lined with rainbows of colourful wildflowers. For those travelling in October, be sure to arrive in Northampton for the Airing of the Quilts. Held each year on the second Saturday in October, you will see an array of old and new colourful quilts hanging all around the town.

Amazing places not to be missed in and around Northampton are Our Lady in Ara Coeli Catholic Church, the Chiverton House Museum, and the Northampton Motor and Machinery Shed. The Mary Street Railway Precinct includes historical and original buildings and the stone station office houses loads of memorabilia. Take a step back in time with a visit to the Northampton Family Store (1910) with its original fittings and old-fashioned service. You can find everything you need.

Take a 20 km drive south to what is known as the most haunted house in WA, the Oakabella Homestead, and Tea Rooms. Try some delicious homemade treats or take a guided tour of the homestead and its outbuildings including the unique two-storey buttressed barn.

For a perfect spot to do some boating, fishing, swimming, surfing, and loads of other beachside fun, head to Horrocks Beach, which is only a 20 minute drive from Northampton, or travel 47 km northwest on a scenic drive through picturesque hills and valleys to Port Gregory with its stunning Pink Lake. Close to Port Gregory is the Lynton townsite, Lynton Convict Hiring Depot, Sanfords House, and the old barn.

Travel 44 km north to Australia’s oldest micronation, the Principality of Hutt River. The principality has its own flag, stamps, and official seal, and you can also get your passport stamped or purchase the local currency, the Hutt River dollar.

WHAT’S NEARBY
Northampton Free Camp
Northampton Caravan Park
Northbrook Farmstay