A Chance Meeting at the Fireplace

Our stay at the Premier Mill was due to our daughter in law sending us a clipping from a WA newspaper that was written up on the Katanning area and more importantly the reclamation of the old Flour Mill and its conversion into a hotel.

Due to a desire to see the Albany region we decided to travel from Brisbane, via Katanning enroute so that we could see the wheat belt region and made a decision prior to our departure from home to at least look at the Mill development. Once we saw the hotel we just had to spend the night, especially more so after we were given the 'grand tour' and liked what had been done to retain the feel of the old mill atmosphere and how that had been incorporated into the complex.

During our ambient sit down and after-dinner-wine in the reception area we conversed with a fellow tourist and his wife in front of the fire. At first this couple was meeting with a family group and it was after they left that we got into conversation with the elderly couple. It was obvious from the conversation that the male in particular was very conversant with the region, and he gave us a good rundown of the area and more particularly what to see and do. They enlightened us more on the background of the town and more particularly a 'must do' by visiting the local saleyards. Unfortunately we missed the local gathering at the yards - maybe next time!

Unfortunately our schedule did not allow us to spend any more time in the town, however to add to the night they did point out many other features of the southern region and more particularly directed us to visit the Ferguson Valley on our way back to Perth.

The couple were from Perth and all in all it was a pleasant interlude. We gleaned a lot from the couple as it was obvious that in particular they knew a lot about the Katanning region, its environs and the many highways and avenues from Perth to the southern Wheat and Wine Regions.

When travelling we always like to interact with fellow tourists as it is from this source that one can gain ideas of what to see and do whilst in the location, and this interaction in the relaxed lobby, in addition to the introduction we were given by the Manager when we checked in left us with a well rounded knowledge, and a keen desire to return.

As our stay was only overnight we did not undertake any specific drives outside the town boundaries, but having said that we were impressed by the surrounding country side as we made our way to Albany.

We travelled down The Mountain Wine trail via Mt Barker and into Porongurup and Castle Rock before heading down the Chester Pass Road to Albany. A beautiful region to visit. Unfortunately as we left Katanning we ran into a lot of rain enroute to the Castle Rock winery which we had on our agenda to pick up some previously tasted wine and were unable to take any decent photos of the trip, another reason we’re looking forward to our return visit.

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The Mill Whistle

Name: The Premier Mill Hotel
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