Overview
Merredin is a small Wheatbelt town of about 2,600 residents that serves as a practical stopping point on the Great Eastern Highway, roughly midway between Perth and Kalgoorlie. The town grew during the 1880s/90s gold rush and later became a grain-producing hub once a water-catchment was built on the nearby hill.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
Optus 4G is the most reliable mobile signal in Merredin. Telstra is patchy; Vodafone has no coverage. Pre-download maps and entertainment before arriving.
Money
Australian dollars (AUD) are used. ATMs are likely available at the bank on Barrack St or at the post office. The IGA and most venues accept card. Fuel cards are useful for long-distance driving.
Safety
Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C. Carry water in your vehicle. The roads between Merredin and surrounding towns are long and often desolate; never run low on fuel.
Transport
Merredin is on the Great Eastern Highway (Highway 94), 261 km east of Perth. The Prospector train from Perth takes 3 hr 30 min and costs $51 return in 2023. No Transwa buses serve the town.
