Places To See
Marshall Rock
A favourite leisure spot for locals, Marshall Rock has been the location for many community barbeques and picnics dating back as far as 1913. The reserve remains a great place for bushwalking, bird watching and viewing the wildflowers. One of the best reasons to visit the site has to be the spectacular views from the top of Marshall Rock where one can see Lake McDermott, vast agricultural lands and even the Bencubbin Wheatbins. The Reserve covers 1.4 square kilometres and is bounded by private farming land on every side.
The Rock was found in 1836 by Surveyor General John Septimus Roe. Marshall Rock was named after Captain Marshall McDermott who was an early settler on the Swan River colony. It is a great spot for camping with picnic with tables, shelter, fire pits and a waterless toilet all available
Pergandes
A visit to Pergande Sheep Yards is a must. Located at the site are the remains of an original and prominent homestead and sheep yards that were constructed almost entirely from local granite. The sheep yards are made from large granite slabs that were drawn into position by horse sled from the nearby Wiacubbing Hill. These slabs were then placed upright out of the ground to make the fences of the sheep yards. The homestead was constructed using smaller round rocks held together by mortar.
Given the historical and cultural importance of the site, it has been made available for visitors and the general public to access. The site is located on the property of Murray and Donna Cooper, approximately 10kms from Bencubbin. Readings at the site of the original farm owner, Edward (Ted) Pergande will prove fascinating. Ted and his wife Annie were prominent local figures who contributed greatly to the development of the area.
Billiburning Rock
Surveyed by Harry Sanford King around 1889 – 90, Billiburning Rock is situated in the North-East of the Shire near the vermin proof fence. This rock is part of quite a large natural forest reserve, a relatively undisturbed bushland area, it is one of the largest outcrops in the area and provides many opportunities for birdwatchers. It has attractive wildflowers and native fauna can often be seen. A good view from the top of the rock to appreciate the beautiful sunsets offering many photographic opportunities. As the rock is quite close to the Vermin proof fence you often have good sightings of wedge-tailed Eagles, Budgerigars, Black Cockatoos, Purple-crowned Lorikeets, Major Mitchells and Mallee Fowl. The area surrounding the rock is a good picnic and camp area. To get to the rock, take Ingleton Rd north from the Beacon townsite for 30km to White Road and Huckstep Road, travel north on White Road for another 3km to the rock entrance on your left. There are no services at the rock. Please take your rubbish with you. Van access.
Datjoin Well & Rock Reserve
Datjoin Well and Rock Reserve has several unique rock formations located east of Beacon, an area opened to pastoral leases as far north as Datjoin in 1872 and the well was dug in early 1900’s by sandalwood cutters. During the winter and spring months of July to October Datjoin Reserve is a popular picnic and tourist camp spot for travellers as well as those looking to find some of the best orchids and wildflowers the region has to offer. Beacon locals also frequent the area, having enjoyed many years of picnicking and socialising in years past at Datjoin.