For those who prefer being closer to the ground they may like to hire a bicycle or follow the heritage trail of Northam's old buildings. From Northam's humble beginnings in 1836 it became the jumping off point in the 1890's for prospectors pursuing their dreams of fabulous wealth in the goldfields. Now, Northam is the centre for the Central Agricultural District of Western Australia. It is the largest agricultural township in the state and the second largest inland town. Northam has much to offer.
Many buildings give the appearance and character of the last century.
The Shamrock Hotel dates from1866. The Flour Mill, built in 1871 and still operating, supplies flour to Mauritius and some Arab states. Morby Cottage, a simple mud house with verandah, built in 1836 by Northam's first settler, John Morrell, was the first European building in the area. It served as Northam's first school and church. Near Northam, the once bustling settlement of Irishtown now comprises only of the original Catholic Church and hall, and, a short distance away is the luxurious two-storey Buckland Homestead, built in 1874 and credited as being WA's most stately home.